sidelined earlier this month<\/a> by the Heat because of “conduct detrimental to the team” and has requested a trade.<\/p>\nAlthough the Heat initially said they would not make Butler available for trade, they later said they would listen to offers for the six-time NBA All-Star.<\/p>\n
However, Butler remains with the Heat and scored 18 points and played 33 minutes in Friday’s defeat in Florida.<\/p>\n
Less than two hours before tipoff, Butler said “I’m back” in a statement released on social media by his agent Bernie O. Lee. The statement indicated it was a response to questions about Butler’s career plans.<\/p>\n
After the game, he answered questions at his locker while wearing a number 45 Chicago Bulls jersey – the number worn by Michael Jordan when he returned from his first retirement.<\/p>\n
“There was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler said about the suspension.<\/p>\n
“So, we’ll let people keep talking like they know everything and have all the answers. And then, sooner or later, the whole truth will come out.<\/p>\n
“But, until then, we’ll continue to let people talk. If I’m here, I will get out there and play.”<\/p>\n
Regarding his team-mates, Butler said: “It felt good to get out there, compete, and actually run around with these guys.<\/p>\n
“As much as everybody may think, I don’t got a problem with these guys. These guys are cool. They’re my friends. My beef is not with them, never will be, and never has been.”<\/p>\n
Butler, who previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls, joined the Heat in 2019 and has made 378 NBA appearances for them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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