Jimmy Butler cryptically posts Khalid song as trade tensions with Heat rise

Amid his seven-game suspension, Miami Heat superstar forward Jimmy Butler posted a cryptic Instagram story, seemingly hinting at being undervalued by his team.

Since not receiving the two-year, $113 million contract extension he was eligible for over the summer, Butler has been involved in trade rumors. On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported that Butler requested a trade but didn't provide Miami with "a list of favored destinations."

Following Thursday's 128-115 home loss to the Indiana Pacers, the disgruntled six-time All-Star questioned his ability to find on-court joy with the Heat.

"What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, wherever that may be," Butler said. "We'll find out here pretty soon, but gotta get my joy back.

"I'm happy here, you know, off the court. But I want to be back to somewhat dominant. I want to hoop. I want to help this team win, but right now, I'm not enjoying it."

A day later, Miami announced that it suspended Butler for seven games for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team." The franchise added that it would "listen to (trade) offers" for its top player.

Two games into his suspension, Butler shared the song "Know Your Worth" by Khalid and Disclosure to his Instagram stories on Tuesday. The cryptic post appeared to take a shot at Miami president Pat Riley and the Heat organization for lowballing him in extension negotiations.

Jimmy Butler cryptically posts Khalid song as trade tensions with Heat rise (Image Credit: @jimmybutler on Instagram)

Butler still has five games remaining on his suspension, which will reportedly cost him $2.35 million. He will be eligible to return on Jan. 17 when Miami hosts the Denver Nuggets.

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Jimmy Butler expresses confidence in his ability to maintain high-level production amid standoff with Heat

Jimmy Butler's age (35) and tendency to wear out his welcome at each stop in his 14-year career appear to be inhibiting his trade value. However, according to the five-time All-NBA selectee, he is still as effective as ever.

"I still think I'm in my prime if I'm being brutally honest," Butler told The Washington Post last month.

Miami has until the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline to acquiesce to Butler's trade request or risk losing him for nothing in free agency. However, the superstar has a lucrative $52.4 million player option for next season. If untraded, he is widely expected to exercise his option, as competitive teams don't have the cap space to sign him to a max deal.

Through 22 outings, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 3-pointers per game, shooting 55.2%.

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