Although it may have been perceived that Jimmy Butler’s return against the Denver Nuggets was a sign of peace, the aftermath has been anything but smooth-flowing. After just three games, the Miami Heat suspended the aloof star once again. The two-game suspension came because he missed the team’s flight to Milwaukee. As per Shams Charania’s initial reporting, this wasn’t the first time.

With Butler being at odds with the franchise since the beginning of the season, the revered insider noted he often chose to fly solo. “He had let the team know beforehand he was going to do it,” Charania said about the same. However, that’s where the situation gets puzzling. Why would the Heat suddenly change their stance if Butler gave them a notice? Moreover, it had been a practice of his on multiple occasions.

Well, there might be some eye-opening news on that front. Former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Channing Frye did some talking around the league. His research brought forward a key piece of information. According to him, the Heat fully expected Butler to join the flight. “From what I heard, the team waited for him on the tarmac for several hours, not knowing where he was,” said the former NBA forward.

Later, Bulter simply informed the team “‘Oh, I’ll meet you there'” as per Frye. It did give the Heat the grounds to suspend Butler for the second time this season. During his time away from the team, Butler attended the Reserve Cup draft. But it seems as long as Butler is in Miami, controversy won’t leave his tail.

While at the Reserve Padel Club, the six-time All-Star was caught in a heated altercation that is quickly going viral.  Jimmy Butler could be seen aggressively arguing with one of the guests as security gathered around him. The details about the same are still unknown. But it adds to the intensity of Butler’s inevitable exit from the Miami Heat.

Where does a Jimmy Butler trade stand right now?

Before the two suspensions, there was one team monitoring Butler’s situation. They have also become the favorites to land the disgruntled star. The Phoenix Suns practically had everything ready. They have made trades to acquire a great number of draft capital to send out. As it stands, the Heat won’t be the team to take on Bradley Beal’s contract.

However, that’s where the complexity lies. Until a few days ago, there was a popular belief that the Milwaukee Bucks would be part of the deal, taking on Beal’s $50 million salary. However, the latest update from Chris Haynes suggests the Bucks haven’t even made inquiries about the veteran guard yet.

Hence, for the Suns to make any transaction for Butler, it all hinges on which team is willing to take Beal’s contract.

As far as performance is concerned, Bradley Beal is still a valiant scoring threat. However, the no-trade clause in his contract is a deterring factor for other teams. If it’s the Suns where Butler lands, so far they are far from putting together a significant offer for the Heat to accept.

The challenge is to get multiple teams involved, but mainly one contending franchise for Beal to waive his no-trade clause in the first place. Aside from that, according to a recent ESPN report, the Memphia Grizzlies have also made inquiries about Butler. The Heat could very well go in that direction, sending Butler to the third-seed in the West.

It would still give Butler what he wishes for. He gets a young team that is hopeful to make a deep playoff run. It would be a fresh start. And with him having a player option for next season, he could navigate his way to the Phoenix Suns as a free agent. Where do you think Butler will be traded to during this trade deadline? Let us know your views in the comments below.