Why is Jimmy Butler not playing against Orlando Magic? Latest update on Heat star's absence (Dec. 21)
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will be unavailable for tonight's matchup against the Orlando Magic. According to Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang, Butler is out due to a stomach illness.
Butler did not travel with his team to Orlando. Other Heat players on the injured list tonight are Kevin Love (personal reasons) and Josh Richardson (heel). Their absence could open up opportunities for other players to step up, and coach Erik Spoelstra has adjusted his starting lineup for Saturday's game.
The Heat are starting Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, and Dru Smith.
In Friday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Butler exited the game with 4:41 remaining in the first quarter. Initially, fans thought Butler had injured his ankle, but it was later confirmed that the forward/guard was suffering from an illness. He finished with no points and two assists after delivering a triple-double performance on Monday against the Detroit Pistons.
Butler's 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals were not enough to propel the Heat past the Pistons. Detriot escaped with a 125-124 victory in overtime.
According to Associated Press' Dave Hogg, Butler joins Demarcus Cousins (2018) and George McInnis (1976) as the only players in NBA history to finish at least 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals in a game.
Jimmy Butler still the subject of trade talks
Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler is still at the center of trade talks around the league. Many reports have presented hypothetical landing spots for the 35-year-old veteran.
Butler makes $48.8 million this season and has a $52.4 million player option next year. He will reportedly decline the option to make way for a longer contract. Butler and Heat reportedly negotiated last summer about an extension, but no deal was made.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Butler and his agent have desired destinations: Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets.
With less than two months from the Feb. 6 deadline, fans are eager to see where Butler ends up playing. With the right fit, a proven big-time performer like Jimmy Butler can catapult any team to contention.