"Jimmy and Pat going to war" - NBA fans clamor over Jimmy Butler facing 7-game suspension for his antics on Heat

It appears that the Jimmy Butler era with the Miami Heat may be nearing its end — but not without fireworks. The organization has suspended Butler for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Butler has reportedly expressed a desire to be traded, despite Heat president Pat Riley stating he has no intention of moving the star player.

Fans on social media reacted strongly to the tension between Jimmy Butler and the Heat. Here's what some users said on X, formerly Twitter:

"Jimmy and Pat going to war," one said.

"Pat Riley is setting their franchise back decades. Jimmy carried that team for so long and now this is how they repay him," another said.

Here are other reactions on X

"No star is coming to play for Riley again 😂😂 Butler got a bad team to the Finals 2x and he getting treated like this," one tweeted.

"Makes senses he doesn’t want to play so why pay him. He does this at every team. Forced his way out of the wolves by acting out and did the same in Philly. Shame because he is awesome as a player when he’s bought in and healthy," one pointed out.

"How’s that beneficial to the team when they can just trade him get something back and not ruin there season," one questioned.

"They should just split ways and allow Jimmy Butler to hold out essentially until the trade is done. There’s no repairing this relationship now," one said.

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Looking at brewing tensions between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley

NBA: Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat - Source: Imagn

Jimmy Butler has been the talk of the town ever since he expressed interest in being traded instead of sticking around with the Miami Heat. It's clear that Butler is no longer happy with the team, and it appears that his relationship with the front office has been strained.

The tension between Heat president Pat Riley and Butler began back in May 2024 when Riley told his star player to keep his mouth shut. Butler had made remarks about how things would have been different had he been present against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Riley wasn’t a fan of his comments and preferred that he remain silent, especially since he was absent.

On Thursday, Butler publicly expressed his displeasure with the Heat, saying he is no longer happy playing basketball in Miami and wants a change of scenery.

"I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we'll find out here pretty soon," Butler said. "I'm happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win, and right now I'm not doing it."

The Heat backtracked on their earlier statement that they were not trading Butler and said on Friday they are now listening to offers.