NBA insider shares Jimmy Butler's comeback status on Heat amid 7-game suspension following Pat Riley drama

The Miami Heat saga with Jimmy Butler continues. He's close to returning from his seven-game suspension on Friday against the Denver Nuggets. On Tuesday, NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed an update regarding the stalemate between the Heat and Butler.

After making his trade request known, the Heat immediately suspended the All-Star forward "for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team." While Butler has missed significant time away from action, he's reportedly ready to suit up and play for Miami.

“I'm told (Jimmy Butler) is fully prepared to return to play for the Miami Heat if he is not moved by the time his suspension is lifted,” Haynes said on Tuesday's "Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz."

Butler has played 22 games this season, averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 55.2% shooting.

Sources claim that the six-time All-Star has insisted on traveling alone, away from the squad. According to reports from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Butler opted to fly private and also missed out on multiple practices. The Heat claimed that his separation from the team caused tension with his teammates.

However, the other side of the story claims a different narrative. Haynes reached out to Butler's team to get their opinion on the matter.

"To speak from the flights, I was told that in the last five years, Jimmy took less than five separate flights from the team, and four of them were during the Finals against Denver, when his father was sick," Haynes reported.

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Jimmy Butler to meet with the Heat owner before his return from suspension

Jimmy Butler will speak with Miami Heat owner Micky Arison before fans can witness his return to action. Other organization representatives will also meet with Butler to discuss the best course.

Butler also had a meeting with team president Pat Riley. The All-Star forward reiterated his intentions of leaving the franchise via trade. The 30th pick in 2011 also doubled down on not staying in Miami by telling Riley that he had no interest in re-signing a new deal with them.

Amid the chaotic scene between Butler and the organization, his teammates have blocked the noise. The Heat are now 20-18, which puts them in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite the noise, however, Tyler Herro and the team have done their part to stay competitive.

"This is what we wanted, just to get back on the road, get away from all the chaos," Herro said. "Rallying around each other, making it about the guys that are here now. We got enough."

They'll play against the LA Lakers on Wednesday before Butler makes his much-awaited return.