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Miami Heat Star Jimmy Butler He will be sidelined for at least the final two games of his team’s tour as he continues to recover from an illness.
The Heat’s announcement means the six-time All-Star will not be available when Miami plays on Sunday. Atlanta Falcons and Houston Rockets this weekend.
Butler could return to action on New Year’s Day when the Heat host the New Orleans Pelicans. Although the franchise is likely to closely monitor Butler’s recovery over the next few days before clearing his return to the court.
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Butler hasn’t played since the first quarter of Miami’s Dec. 20 game against the Oklahoma City ThunderAfter spraining an ankle, he left the game and was later ruled out due to illness.
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Miami has played three games since then without Butler, two due to illness and then Thursday’s win in Orlando with him back in Miami preparing for a return.
He is not with the team on the trip.
The Heat said Thursday they will not trade Butler. ESPN reported that the 2021 NBA steals leader prefers to be moved before the February 6 trade deadline.
“We typically don’t comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Heat president Pat Riley said in a statement. “Therefore, we will make it clear that we will not trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Butler has not publicly expressed any desire to be traded. He is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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