Miami awaits Jimmy Butler’s return amid trade rumors, suspension drama. Fans react
With a seven-game suspension lifted and a trade not yet confirmed, Jimmy Butler will return to the court Friday night in a home game against the Denver Nuggets. As Heat fans eagerly shuffled into the Kaseya Center, some espoused love for Butler but others are ready to see him go.
“I’m so excited to see him, it’s going to be fun watching him again,” said Max Blate, who came from Argentina for the game. “Sometimes, change is good, but I think Jimmy should stay. They need Jimmy Buckets.”
Aaron Williams, from North Carolina, is not a Heat fan but played against Heat center Bam Adebayo in high school. Williams dislikes how Butler has behaved.
“When Jimmy is cooking he is amazing, but it never helps when your main guy is sabotaging the team,” he said, adding that the Heat would benefit from dropping Butler’s hefty contract and acquiring younger players. “For the money he wants, it’s better to lose him”
Regardless, he’s ready to see his hometown hero and Jimmy play together again.
The Heat have gone 8-9 in games without him this season and 3-4 during his suspension. Fans are unsure if his long-awaited return will be the push the Heat needs.
“I’m happy to see him play tonight, but kinda sad to see how all this is playing out,” said Rashad Butler, adding that the Heat’s middle-of-the-pack placement won’t be changed by just one player. “We should lean more into our younger core. Jimmy has given us great years, but it’s time to right the ship.”
Some fans are still unhappy with how Butler has behaved and can’t wait to see him play for someone else — believing the Heat are better off without him.
“It was an adjustment, I like his performance,” said Oscar Flores, who has lost count of how many Heat games he has attended. “I was sad to see him suspended, but I think Miami will be fine without him.”
This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM.
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