Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against Atlanta Hawks? Latest on Heat superstar's availability amid trade saga (Dec. 28)  

Jimmy Butler is ruled out of Miami Heat's clash against the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena on Saturday. The veteran forward has been in the headlines as one of the massive names involved in trade talks ahead of the trade deadline. He has been listed out with a return to competition reconditioning ahead of the Hawks matchup.

The All-Star guard is also slated to miss the next game against the Houston Rockets. Heat insider Ira Winderman reported the update adding that he will rejoin the Heat upon the conclusion of their three-game road trip.

"Jimmy Butler now listed as out for Miami game on Saturday in Atlanta. The team says he also will be out for Sunday’s game in Houston, rejoining the team when they return from this three-game trip."

Butler has missed the last three games for the side after he exited the game against the OKC Thunder after just seven minutes on the floor. Much now depends on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo as they look to extend their two-game winning streak against a stern Atlanta side.

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"Jimmy Butler is not getting traded": Heat head honcho Pat Riley makes feelings clear with blunt message

Miami Heat President Pat Riley stressed that the front office would not be dealing Jimmy Butler. He added that all the speculation over the forward's future in Miami has been a distraction to the team. On Thursday, Riley issued a statement saying:

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore we will make it clear: We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

Both parties were involved in extension conversations last summer but were unable to work out a deal. The seasoned star has $49 million on his massive $146.4 million contract for the 2024-25 season, and he also has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Per recent reports, Butler is reportedly open to joining the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and the Golden State Warriors.

Butler is averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season and is shooting 55.2 percent from the field. His contributions have been key in Miami holding on to the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite Riley's blunt statement, there's no telling what Butler's future looks like with the Heat. Only time will tell if he plays his season out or whether he will end his 2024-25 edition with a new franchise.