"You're not helping yourself" - Stephen A. Smith slams Jimmy Butler's 'unprofessionalism' following 2nd Heat suspension

Jimmy Butler has been looking for a way out of Miami for the past three weeks after saying he lost his joy playing with the Heat in a postgame press conference after a game against the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 2. The latest development to the Jimmy Butler trade saga came Wednesday when the Heat suspended Butler for the second time for missing a team flight.

Jimmy Butler is a 14-year veteran in the NBA who was, until recently, the leader of the Miami Heat teams that made the Finals in 2020 and 2023. This latest two-game suspension comes as Butler continues to try to force his way to another team via trade. His actions have spurred emotional responses from sports pundits, including Stephen A. Smith, one of the faces of ESPN's "First Take".

On today's episode of "First Take", Stephen A. Smith spoke about the Jimmy Butler situation with co-host Molly Qerim and NBA Insider Shams Charania. Smith expressed his disdain for Butler's actions, trying to send a message that Butler is only digging himself a deeper hole.

"Jimmy Butler, if you are watching, you are not helping yourself, my brother," Smith said, trying to send a message to Butler via his show.

Stephen A. went on to mention that Butler's decisions are painting him in a poor light, saying:

"Even though it's understandable, it's unprofessional," Smith said about Butler's absences. "This is an extra level, on top of unprofessional. Gotta show up to work on time."

Butler received a seven-game suspension for similar behavior on Jan. 3, leading to conversations between him and Miami Heat owner Pat Riley. Butler has told the team that he has preferred trade destinations, including the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The Heat are expected to move Jimmy Butler before the trade deadline in early February.

Where could the Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler?

Butler might have a list of teams that he wants to be traded to, but the reality is that only a couple of teams can trade for him straight up due to his contract. Butler is making $48 million this year and has a $52 million player option that he can exercise in the offseason.

The team most interested in trading for Butler is the Phoenix Suns, who just completed a trade with the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks. Unfortunately, their matching contract belongs to Bradley Beal, who can veto a trade via his no-trade clause.