The Heat’s Jimmy Butler injury report suggests a potential return

The the drama between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler has been piling on since he was suspended for seven games “for conduct detrimental to the team” after making it clear he wanted out. As it is The Heat finished their road trip without Butlerhe also completed his suspension as he is absent from the injury report for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, clearing the way for the star to return.

Typically, the injury report for Miami had Butler inactive due to “team suspicion” where Jan. 17 was circled on fans’ calendars to see if he would return. Butler reportedly met with owner Mickey Arison at President Pat Riley’s Summit on Thursday, where ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the forward doubled down on his stance that he wanted to be traded.

Among the reasons for suspension, Butler said he had lost his “joy” of basketball after the Heat’s loss to the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 2 and said “Probably not” when asked if it could bounce back with Miami.

“I want to see how I get my joy he came back from basketball,” Butler said. “And wherever that is, we’ll soon find out here, I want my joy back.” I’m happy here — off the field. But I want to go back to someone dominant. I want to play hoops and I want to help this team win. I’m not doing that right now.”

The Heat expected Jimmy Butler to play if a deal wasn’t reached

The The Heat suspended Butler the next day where, in addition to talking about his behavior, they would say that this was happening “during the season.” A statement posted on their social media accounts would also mention how they will explore trade options, although reports mention that the team was not keen on any deal.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games due to multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season, and in particular over the last several weeks,” the statement read. “By his actions and statements, he showed that he no longer wants to be part of this team.” Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated they want to be traded, so we will listen to offers.

While they were open to receiving trade calls for the 35-year-old, c The Heat expected Butler to return and “play games” if an agreement is not reached by the end of his suspension. At this point, that seems like a reality, but anything can happen between now and Friday night as Miami is 20-19 and ninth in the Eastern Conference.