Is Jimmy Butler throwing shade at his Miami Heat bosses in this video? Check it out
What’s Jimmy Butler been up to during his seven-game suspension?
Minding his own business off the court, literally. The embattled Miami Heat star just opened a BigFace cafe in Miami’s Design District, and it needs his attention. The 35-year-old founded the coffee company, which also sells lifestyle merch, during the NBA COVID “bubble” in 2020.
A reshared clip that initially appeared on his Instagram stories Thursday shows Butler training a young barista at the counter of the sleek shop on Northeast 40th Street.
“This is our best guy right here,” says the Houston native, smiling widely.
Then, looking at the camera, Butler says with a smirk, “See that? See that? I gave you a compliment. That’s what bosses do. They build you up, they don’t break you down.”
Ouch. No. 22 is apparently not taking his suspension last Friday for “conduct detrimental to the team” sitting down, and it’s easy to see why. For his punishment, Butler will lose about $336,543 per game, more than $2 million in total. It’s also got to sting the old ego that his superiors have no issue showing the six-time All Star the door.
The workplace troubles began after Butler, who missed 100 regular-season games in his five Miami seasons, decided to remove his filter. He said in a postgame news conference last Thursday night that he was no longer a happy camper in the 305.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball,” Butler said following the 128-115 home loss to the Indiana Pacers. “And wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here — off the court. But I want to be back to someone dominant. I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
One day later, down came the ax:
“Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team,” the Heat said in a statement Friday.
The statement added that the front of office honchos, who never presented Butler with an offer that would extend his contract beyond his $52.4 million player option for next season, were open to cutting the six-time All-Star loose.
“Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”
Despite the obvious tension, Butler is still expected to play with the Heat (if still on the roster) vs. the Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center Jan. 17.
Commenters under the post were in accord, with most folks saying the Heat’s harsh move was justified thanks to all the games the NBA star missed.
“Dude should call out sick, disrespect his managers, and then ask for a raise. Let’s see how Jimbo reacts to that when the camera isn’t rolling.”
“He’s really trying to shift the narrative. Used to be a big Jimmy fan too.”
“And when that employee refuses to show up for work? What do bosses do then?”
“Great worker, just don’t start missing work a lot, then not been productive, and at the end asking for a raise, hopefully don’t do that in every company you work for, good luck.”
“LMAOOO, man you’re so petty.”
“Shut up and hoop, Jimmy!”
READ MORE: See how Jimmy Butler’s mural got changed after trade drama
This story was originally published January 10, 2025 at 1:57 PM.
