Jimmy Butler is set to return to the Miami Heat’s starting lineup on Friday night after a seven-game suspension.
All things considered, nobody knew if the veteran forward would suit up for the organization again. He reportedly requested a trade following weeks of reports about the Heat’s willingness to listen to offers. Shortly after he made his desires known, the front office suspended Butler for what they deemed “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Nonetheless, what has become increasingly clear over the last week is that Butler’s market is struggling to materialize. While that doesn’t mean the Heat can’t find a suitor by the deadline, it does mean they will have to play nice with the 35-year-old over the next few weeks. It’s undoubtedly in the best interest of both Butler and the franchise decision-makers to have him on the floor ahead of Feb. 6. If Butler wants to be elsewhere this season, performing well and limiting the theatrics will be key.
So, of course, cue the theatrics!
Jimmy Butler’s “I’m Back” Message
Jimmy Butler celebrated his return by channeling his inner GOAT. His agent Bernard Lee sent out a familiar-looking message over social media that included a statement from Butler that read: “I’m Back.”
Take a look:
Yes, that’s right. To celebrate his suspension ending, Butler opted to pay tribute to Michael Jordan’s iconic fax that announced he was coming out of retirement. Look, I’m always here for a light-hearted joke, but I’m not quite sure the Miami Heat will be laughing at this one.
Pat Riley is probably hoping this is where Butler’s wisecracks end.