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Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler he will be sidelined for at least the final two games of his team’s road trip as he continues to recover from an illness.
The Heat’s announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could return to action on New Year’s Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the franchise will likely monitor Butler’s recovery closely for the next few days before clearing his return to the field.
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Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler leaves the court after the team’s win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Butler hasn’t played since the first quarter of Miami’s Dec. 20 game against The Oklahoma City Thunderwhen he twisted his ankle, came out of the game, and then was ruled out due to illness.
HEAT PRESIDENT PAT RILEY SHUTS DOWN JIMMY BUTLER TRADE RUMORS, CALLING MAINLY A ‘NURSING’
Miami has since played three games without Butler, two due to illness, and then Thursday’s win in Orlando with him in Miami preparing for his return.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler warms up before Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets on June 9, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
He is not with the team on the road.
The Heat said Thursday they would not trade Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader would prefer to be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler prepares to shoot a free throw against the Washington Wizards on February 2, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC (Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images)
“We don’t normally comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “So we’ll make it clear – we’re not trading Jimmy Butler.”
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Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. This season he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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