Jimmy Butler channels Michael Jordan in return from Heat suspension: Im back

Despite Jimmy Butler’s trade request, he’s back in Miami — for now.The Heat forward was suspended for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team and is now back in the starting lineup for Miami against the Nuggets in a 2023 NBA Finals rematch on Friday evening.Bernie Lee, Butler’s agent, posted a press release on X akin to Michael Jordan’s famous “I’m back” statement, which ended his first NBA retirement in 1995.Leaning into the Jordan theme — or troll — Butler posted photos on his Instagram story wearing the Jordan No.45 Bulls uniform.Butler, who played with the Bulls from 2011-17, channeled the jersey Jordan wore upon his return to the NBA in 1995, which he wore before returning to the iconic 23.Butler last played for the Heat on Jan.

2 in a blowout loss to the Pacers, where he only scored nine points for a second straight game.Rumors and reports had been circulating that he had become discontented due to the lack of a new contract from the Heat and that he was potentially eyeing a trade.After the contest, he addressed the overall situation, publicly indicating he wanted a new home.“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball, and 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 somewhere dominant.

I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win.Right now I’m not doing that.”When asked by a reporter if he can get his “joy back” on the court, Butler replied, “probably not.”Earlier on Friday, a report from ESPN suggested people close to the situation may not want him back at all, but alas, he’s suiting up again for Miami.Neither Butler nor his agent have publicly rescinded their trade request, and no reporting has suggested that much has changed beyond the six-time All-Star returning from his suspension.Butler remains on a contract for $49 million this season with a player option for $52.4 million next season, which is difficul...