"Special kind of stupid in the water"- 2X NBA champion links Jimmy Butler-Heat saga to LeBron James leaving Miami

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have dominated headlines in recent weeks. Two-time NBA champion Vernon Maxwell has weighed in on the saga, referencing LeBron James' departure from South Beach.

On Friday, Maxwell posted a tweet comparing the current Butler situation to the time the four-time champion left Miami after four seasons. Maxwell alleged there is a "special kind of stupid in the water."

"I completely understand now why Lebron would leave Miami to go back to Cleveland (of all places) and now Jimmy Butler wants out. There is a special kind of stupid in the water out there," Maxwell wrote.

James, along with Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, delivered two championships to South Beach in 2012 and 2013. James earned both league MVP and Finals MVP honors during those seasons.

When he opted out of his contract with the Heat in 2014, he announced his intention to return to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

This season, Miami's relationship with Butler has soured for a variety of reasons. Reports indicate that talks about a contract extension last summer fell through. This led to questions about Butler's future, which were fueled by his recent admission that he wanted a trade.

Maxwell, who played 13 seasons in the NBA from 1988 to 2001, had his most successful stint with the Houston Rockets, winning two championships. He was a key contributor and starter during their 1994 title run. Currently, Maxwell hosts a podcast.

Jimmy Butler's seven-game suspension

The latest development in the Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat saga emerged Friday. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Butler was suspended by the Heat for seven games.

Additionally, Miami announced they are open to listening to trade offers for Butler—just eight days after Heat president Pat Riley publicly said the team would not be trading the six-time NBA All-Star.

“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 Heat said.

Butler's suspension will start on Saturday's game against the Utah Jazz. He will sit out the Heat's upcoming six-game road trip and is eligible to return on Jan. 15, the day when most NBA players become eligible for trades.

Speculation about Butler's future with the Heat continues to intensify. With the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching, a resolution to the saga may arrive soon.