Butler was informed at shootaround that he would come off the bench behind Haywood Highsmith in this game, which prompted Butler to walk out of shootaround. From there, the Heat suspended Butler “indefinitely,” a story broken by Shams Charania of The Athletic and since confirmed by the team.

The Heat shifted into a new gear after that (Butler/Micky Arison) meeting.” Will Butler be traded prior to the deadline?

Butler was first suspended by the Heat on Jan. 3 for seven games “for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks. Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team.”