The Miami Heat which once brimmed with promising talents and championship potential, have just become the center of a swirling drama. And the spotlight has been on the ongoing Jimmy Butler saga. For the past few weeks, it seems like the team’s focus has shifted away from basketball. At one point, it seemed like the Heat could pose a serious threat, but now, halfway through the season, they’ve struggled to maintain that momentum.

With a record of 21-20, the Heat need to get back on track and take advantage of games against comparatively less dominant teams. Today is the chance to make the most of it as they face the Portland Trail Blazers at Kaseya Center. But all eyes are on one man. The question that’s wondering on the minds of all fans is whether Jimmy Butler will be lacing up for the matchup.

Burned out. That’s what Jimmy Butler is right now. With all the trade rumors going on and the legal battles that he, unfortunately, has to be a part of, he just doesn’t seem to be in the right frame of mind. These outside noises appear to be weighing on him, ultimately affecting his time on the court. There are remarks suggesting that the 35-year-old needs to ‘play his tail off for the next three weeks.’ Will he accept the challenge? Let’s find out what the Heat have planned for Jimmy on Tuesday.

Will Jimmy Butler suit up tonight for Heat vs Trail Blazers?

Jimmy is back from his seven-game controversial suspension and has already played the last two games. Since he’s in good health, this will be his third straight appearance. The team hasn’t listed him on the injury report, so he can be expected to take the lead on the hardwood.

The veteran forward is averaging 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, which is not quite enough considering a player of his stature. With him on the team, the Heat have maintained a 13-11 record, while without him, they ended up with an 8-9 this season. So, he is crucial when it comes to impacting the team’s performance.

While there may be some issues between him and the Heat front office, the slate is clean when it comes to his teammates and playing alongside them. After coming back Jimmy made sure to clarify that.

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Jimmy Butler addresses relationship with teammates despite ongoing trade rumors

Jimmy has been with the franchise long enough to build strong bonds with his teammates, connections that go beyond just the hardwood. While some believed there could be friction after everything the team had to endure, that has definitely not been the case.

“It felt good to get out there, compete, and actually run around with these guys,” Jimmy told the media after the game against Denver. “As much as everybody may think, I don’t got a problem with these guys. These guys are cool. They’re my friends. Some of them tapped in. Some of ya’ll didn’t. Don’t think I don’t know that. My beef is not with them, never will be, and never has been.”

Still, all that the 6-time All-Star wants is to be out of Miami. There has been ongoing discussion regarding Jimmy’s potential trade to the Phoenix Suns and the complications surrounding it. While it seemed like a dead end, there may now be a possible loophole, as speculated by Brian Windhorst.

“I had a team on Friday call me & say, ‘Hey, this team is trying to dump some salary. And they all of a sudden had to end our phone call to go do something bigger,’” the ESPN reporter revealed on The Hoop Collective. “…I speculate that it has to do with Butler and not just a direct Butler trade, but 3 & 4-team trades.”

So, there might be other teams that will get involved in clearing Jimmy’s escape route from Miami. But until that comes to fruition, Jimmy must step onto the floor and deliver his best, something the fans will expect from him tonight.

The Heat need to rise from their slump and take on the Trail Blazers, who are currently in 13th place in the West. With a 14-28 record, they may seem like an easier opponent to defeat, but as always in basketball, nothing is predictable. This will be the last regular season game between the two teams. In their previous clash, Miami came out on top but will they be able to do it again or will Portland take the win this time? Tune in at 7:30 PM ET to witness the battle between the East and West.