Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended for seven games after making detrimental comments and demanding a trade.
Butler suggested a trade from Miami and said he lost his joy for basketball while playing for the team.
The Heat have appeared in two NBA Finals since Butler joined the team in 2019, but have struggled badly in the past two seasons.
A statement from the team said the suspension was due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team throughout the season and particularly the last several weeks.”
The team noted Butler and his representative have indicated their desire for a trade and that “we will listen to offers.”
The suspension follows comments made by Butler after the Heat’s Thursday loss to the Indiana Pacers, with the six-time all-star telling reporters he wants his joy back from playing basketball elsewhere and wants to play with a “dominant” team.