superheng  Miami Heat have suspended winger Jimmy Butler for seven games after he said he no longer wanted to play in South Beach. superheng 

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games due to his behavior that has disrupted team unity on multiple occasions this season, particularly over the last two to three weeks,” Miami said in a statement.  ( superheng )

“Both his behavior and his statements indicate that he no longer wants to be part of this team.”

“Jimmy Butler and his representatives have manipulated the situation to the point of a trade. We are open to suggestions,” 

In addition, the players’ union, which likes to defend the rights of athletes, has filed a lawsuit against Miami’s actions, calling it an inappropriate suspension. 

The six-time All-Star has his sights set on the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and hometown team Houston Rockets. 

If the Heat choose not to trade with the Suns and get Bradley Beal, who still owes $110 million in salary, Beal would also have to waive his no-trade clause. 

The suspension means that if you add in a future injury, Butler won’t play 65 regular-season games, the minimum requirement to compete for the All-Star award. 

The 35-year-old has been out since Saturday’s home game against the Utah Jazz and then a six-game road trip against the Sacramento Kings, Warriors, Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and LA Lakers. 

The seven- game suspension cost Butler $ 2.35 million in lost earnings .  

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