Jimmy Butler is serving his last day of suspension for seven games due to several instances cosidered “conduct detrimental to the team.” Although Butler will forfeit $2.35 million, the player’s organization is anticipated to complain to the league, which may take a year to settle.
Tim Hardaway Sr., a longtime member of the Miami Heat in the late 1990s-early 2000s, had some disparaging remarks about Butler’s behavior.
Tim Hardaway Sr. blasts Jimmy Butler: “Sinking That Ship”
Hardaway Sr. Calls Out Jimmy Butler
Hardaway Sr., the Hall of Fame guard for the Heat, criticized Butler when he aired his thoughts on Sirius XM radio with Justin Termine.
The crossover dribble legend revealed one damaging detail regarding what the Heat supposedly sent the player’s association.
“You don’t disrespect authority, and that’s what Jimmy Butler has been doing. And I will tell you this: This boat is going to sail on top of the water as long as Pat Riley there. Jimmy Butler is trying to sink that ship. That ship is not going to sink,” Hardaway said. “You under contract, you play up under this contract and see where all the chips may fall. And you opt into $52 million next year that you say you’re not going to opt into, which is mind-boggling to me? How are you going to opt out of $52 million?
“These guys can’t take rejection, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about accountability. If you can’t take rejection because everything has been saying, ‘yes yes yes, yes,’ to you, now you’re upset that the world is coming to an end and, ‘Now I can’t play because he’s not going to give me the money that I want.’ No, go out there and play. You’re under contract, go ahead and play. … I know [Pat Riley] gave [the NBPA] a 10-page letter and I know he gave them some film to show them why he suspended him.”
Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. blasted Jimmy Butler on @SiriusXMNBA recently: “Jimmy Butler is trying to sink that ship.”@mph_824_ with more below! #HEATNationhttps://t.co/JsODiJR1Mr
— Hot Hot Hoops (@hothothoops) January 12, 2025
The Jimmy Butler Effect
Hardaway Sr., who had a history of conflicts with Riley as a player, spoke those harsh words about Butler. There is a chance that if Butler isn’t moved, he will play once his suspension ends on January 17 against the Denver Nuggets. If the Heat had good reason to do so following Butler’s suspension, they could extend it.
However, missing additional games and losing more money would not help the 35-year-old forward, who has a $52.4 million player option for 2024–25. Who am I kidding? It didn’t help him to implicitly blame the NBA’s top coach for no apparent reason, either.
Jimmy’s Leadership Experience
Although Butler has proven he can lead a team to the NBA Finals, his unrelenting and stubborn nature has frequently caused division.
Remember, he has a history of causing conflicts in previous locker rooms that affected those around him. Notably, public arguments with teammates ended Butler’s time with both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Last Word
Regarding the 10-page letter and the documentation the Heat executives provided to the NBA, right now it is unclear if Hardway’s words are factual. We’re just scratching the surface of what will soon go public on both sides. Before it becomes prettier, this will get ugly.
