Jimmy Butler Misses Games Due to Illness

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler will miss at least two more games due to recovery from an illness and return-to-competition conditioning, as confirmed by the team. His absence marks the fourth and fifth consecutive games he has missed, raising speculation amid recent trade rumors suggesting he prefers to be dealt before the February trade deadline. Despite Butler's illness, team president Pat Riley stated that the Heat do not intend to trade him, creating a complex situation as Butler's recovery continues. Meanwhile, his absence has increased the roles of teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The Heat's performance without Butler has been mixed, holding a 3-4 record in games he has missed this season. As the trade deadline approaches, the Heat may face pressure to resolve Butler's situation, especially with ongoing interest from teams like the Phoenix Suns.