It’s been quite the month for Jimmy Butler ($8,000). Scratch that, it’s been quite the year for Butler.
The pot began to overflow after Pat Riley told the Heat star to keep his mouth shut during last season’s playoffs. Then, the Heat did not extend Butler over the offseason, prompting him to ask for a trade in December. Riley showed him the hand, which led to Butler pouring his heart to the media that he can no longer find joy playing in Miami. Butler was then suspended seven games by the Heat for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.”
Whew. What a ride.
That suspension is now over and Butler will start on Friday against the Denver Nuggets, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Even though Butler is starting, there is uncertainty as to how many minutes he will receive and how engaged he will be.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. ($6,200) started the last six games in Butler’s place and will return to a reserve role. Nikola Jovic ($5,300) had seen an uptick in playing time with Butler out, and some of those minutes could be shed, too.
