Jimmy Butler Rumors: Heat Star Wanted Private Flights, Skipped Multiple Shootarounds

Details are beginning to trickle out about what preceded the Miami Heat's decision to suspend star Jimmy Butler for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Butler had "multiple instances" of skipping Miami's morning shootarounds and requested to have private flights instead of traveling on the Heat's charter plane.

When the Heat first announced the suspension, it wasn't immediately clear what led them to take such a hard line toward the six-time All-Star.

Butler made it clear he wanted out to Miami, telling reporters after a 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 2 that he had lost his "joy" in playing basketball. A report about his formal trade request followed shortly thereafter.

The 35-year-old's effort had been called into question as well. After being sidelined for five games due to an undisclosed illness, he scored 18 combined points on 6-of-11 shooting in his first two games back.

Still, a seven-game ban seemed like a hefty punishment. The National Basketball Players Association called it "excessive and inappropriate" and signaled its intention to file a grievance.

The length of the suspension hinted at further issues behind the scenes that hadn't been publicized. The NBPA's grievance meant that information would likely come out as the Heat defended their course of action.

Retired Heat guard Tim Hardaway said team president Pat Riley supplied a 10-page letter to the union about the situation:

The trouble for both Miami and Butler is that there may not be a straightforward way to resolve this mess before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

The Phoenix Suns are the most logical landing spot for the veteran forward, and they're reportedly very interested in a deal. But Bradley Beal's no-trade clause and massive contract both present big roadblocks.

Aside from the Suns, another serious suitor for Butler has yet to emerge.

Absent a trade, Miami and its best player will have to put their cold war on pause until the end of the season. That might be easier said than done.