Options amid stalemate? Heat and Butler have plenty, including the not-so-good, bad and ugly

MILWAUKEE — Even as Jimmy Butler wants to get out, even as the Miami Heat want to get him out, the reality is that there might not be an easy out . . . as the NBA counts down to the 3 p.m. Feb. 6 NBA trading deadline.

So as uncomfortable as those three games were over the past week, and as uncomfortable as the current stretch of Suspension 2.0 stands for a roster in search of stability, the gamesmanship could endure for another two weeks, if not another three months, if not into the offseason . . . if not beyond.

For a franchise known for cap cunning and aggressive action, it now has been nearly three weeks since the Heat acknowledged, “Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

That was followed late Wednesday night by, “We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee.”

Based on the deterioration of the relationship, a trade — as soon as possible — would appear the preferred alternative, particularly with this latest two-game suspension to otherwise put Butler back in play for the Heat as soon as Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic at Kaseya Center.

So depending where the goalposts are set, this yet could prove to be a long game for both parties, one equally uncomfortable on both sides.

For now, still myriad options.

A Butler win by the deadline: This would get Butler to the Phoenix Suns, his preferred destination, seemingly if only because of the expectation of a maximum contract extension from the open checkbook of owner Matt Ishbia.

Barring the Suns dealing Kevin Durant or Devin Booker, the only way such a deal would work would have to involve Bradley Beal, who holds his well-chronicled right of first refusal on any trade.

A Heat win by the deadline: This would be a deal that would meet the Heat’s priorities of contributing-level talent with contracts that do not run beyond 2025-26 (when the deals of Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier expire), as well as draft capital to restock a depleted supply.

Technically, Butler could torpedo any deal beyond a landing spot of his choice by threatening either to not extend or by threatening to invoke his player option in June and clog a team’s salary cap.

Rolling suspensions: The Heat seemingly have no lack of arguments when it comes to Butler’s behavior both in the gym and beyond.

Whether or not such suspensions without pay ultimately would stand up the appeals process, such an approach nonetheless would defer resolution until after the season, as the escrowed funds sit in an interesting-bearing account.

Pay not to play: Those involved in the process have reiterated the disinclination of owner Micky Arison to play a player in the range of $500,000 a night not to play.

While players have the right to insist on being in uniform on game nights, coaches are not obligated to offer minutes.

While that could present the ultimate bench distraction, Butler’s side appears amenable to remaining away while the checks roll in.

An ugly opt in: If there is no trade by Feb. 6, Butler then regains a degree of leverage with the right to invoke his $52.4 million player option next season.

In addition to potentially clogging the Heat payroll, Butler also could again limit trades with threats to either not extend or to act out in a similar fashion to what currently has been at play.

An ugly opt out: If Butler opts out, there still could be a need to work with the Heat on a sign-and-trade agreement that not only could get Butler the type of contract he seeks, but also net the Heat potential draft capital as well as a trade exception.

As with any case of the Heat working on a Butler offseason deal (either with an opt in or opt out), timing will be a factor, with a lack of haste potentially limiting Heat follow-up offseason moves.

Sustained misery: Butler isn’t traded by Feb. 6, opts into his 2025-26 Heat salary because of either a lack of outside money or outside interest, and then turns these past few weeks of acting out into months and months and months.

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