Jimmy Butler Returns to Heat After Suspension, Scores 18 in Loss to Nuggets

MIAMI, Fla. — Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler made his return to the court Friday after serving a seven-game suspension, scoring 18 points in a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The 35-year-old, who had been sidelined for “conduct detrimental to the team,” played 33 minutes in his first game back.

Butler’s suspension had sparked trade rumors, with the six-time NBA All-Star reportedly requesting a move. The Heat initially stated they would not trade Butler but later indicated they would consider offers. Despite the speculation, Butler remains with the team and addressed his situation after the game.

“There was a lot said by everybody, except for me, to tell you the truth,” Butler said. “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.”

Butler, who wore a Chicago Bulls No. 45 jersey during his postgame interview—a nod to Michael Jordan‘s return from retirement—expressed no animosity toward his teammates. “It felt good to get out there, compete, and actually run around with these guys,” he said. “My beef is not with them, never will be, and never has been.”

The Heat struggled defensively against the Nuggets, who shot 56% from the field. Denver’s Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 28 points, while Jamal Murray added 24. Miami, now 10-8 on the season, has lost four of its last six games.

In other NBA action, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Brooklyn Nets 102-101 despite the absence of forward Anthony Davis, who missed his second game this month due to a foot injury. Austin Reaves stepped up with a career-high 38 points, and LeBron James contributed 29 points and eight assists.

The Lakers led 100-92 with under four minutes remaining, but the Nets rallied, cutting the deficit to one point with 37 seconds left. A missed three-pointer by former Laker D'Angelo Russell in the final seconds sealed the win for Los Angeles.

Butler, who joined the Heat in 2019 after stints with the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Chicago Bulls, has made 378 appearances for Miami. His future with the team remains uncertain as trade discussions continue.