Shams Charania drops major bomb on latest Jimmy Butler trade rumors 

NBA insider Shams Charania has dropped a major bomb on Jimmy Butler trade rumors. After the Miami Heat suspended their superstar for seven games, they are speeding up the process of dealing him to another team. The Heat are looking for trades right away after initially planning to wait on moving him.

"The goal right now is to move Butler as soon as possible," Charania said on Friday. "I'm told the Heat have spoken with teams as of Friday about Butler trades, and they will continue to engage with teams."

Charania reported Thursday that Butler is open to playing for any team other than the Heat. The latest developments around the star player's trade have come after Butler claimed he may not find his 'joy' playing basketball in Miami anymore amid back-to-back underwhelming performances.

Butler had missed five games amid the trade buzz before returning against the Pelicans on Wednesday. He dropped nine points in 25 minutes after primarily playing off the ball. Butler also got benched in the fourth quarter.

His performance didn't improve in Thursday's game against the Pacers, as he tallied nine points again in 27 minutes.

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NBPA to challenge Jimmy Butler's suspension

After Jimmy Butler's post-game comments on Thursday, the situation seems to have escalated in Miami. It led to the Heat suspending Butler for seven games. Here's the team statement:

"We have suspended Jimmy Butler 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. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers."

The National Basketball Player's Association (NBPA) will challenge Butler's suspension. They released a statement saying it is 'excessive and inappropriate.' The seven missed games could cost Butler more than $2.3 million.

From the team's lack of moves to the Heat not offering Butler an extension this past summer, several factors have fueled Jimmy Butler's standoff with Pat Riley and the Heat. The reduced usage rate and the suspension that followed seem to be the final nail in the coffin for the Butler era in Miami.