Q: Ira, there could have been some rust, but most people seem to think Jimmy Butler didn’t give full effort Friday. Which is better for the Heat: Having someone with Jimmy’s talent playing half-hearted?

NBA legend Scottie Pippen isn't impressed with Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler or modern NBA superstars in the player empowerment era.

Jimmy Butler's seven-game suspension came to an end Friday night as the star forward returned to action with the Miami Heat, who were promptly smoked by the visiting Denver Nuggets, 133-113.

The clash pits perhaps the NBA's most disgruntled superstar against a franchise that won't bend to his will. And everyone in the NBA is watching.

Jimmy Butler walked out of the Miami Heat locker room on Friday night wearing a Michael Jordan jersey. It wasn’t a No. 23 jersey.

There was no pretense of Butler being a vibrant part of the Heat for Friday’s game. He shot by himself in warmups. There was none of the choreographed palm-slapping with teammates that’s a typical part of any pregame. Kevin Love did run out to him just before the center-tap and shake hands. It looked like the first time they’d seen each other.

Butler met with Heat president Pat Riley last week, and then met with Heat owner Micky Arison and chief executive officer Nick Arison on Thursday, according to league sources. Through it all, Butler has remained adamant about his desire to be traded.

The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be one team interested in Butler, but that involves the Heat taking Bradley Beal and the two seasons and $110.7 million remaining on Beal’s contract. Plus, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Suns would be willing to give Butler another financially significant contract.

Jan 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) protects the basketball from Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic posted his league-leading 17th triple-double of the season, bundling 24 points with 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the Denver Nuggets' 133-113 road win over the

Jimmy Butler’s return to the Miami Heat lineup Friday night was met with a mixed reception from the home crowd, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.