Golden State Warriors guard Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have reached a $3 million agreement to resolve the $6 million in team fines levied against him during the 2024-25 season, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Butler contested the penalties immediately after they were issued while he was still on Miami’s roster. The Heat imposed the fines in connection with two team suspensions: a seven-game ban for multiple acts deemed detrimental to the club and a subsequent five-game suspension after Butler left practice when informed he would move to the bench behind forward Haywood Highsmith.
The seven-game suspension cost Butler $346,543 per game, totaling approximately $2.35 million. One of those games was later rescinded, reducing the overall amount.
Trade Demand and Exit From Miami
Butler entered the 2024-25 campaign under the final guaranteed year of his Heat contract, worth $48.79 million, with a $52.41 million player option for 2025-26. In December, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler had asked to be traded, a request he confirmed publicly while stating he no longer felt “joy” playing in Miami.
The Heat initially said they had no intention of moving him, but ultimately sent the six-time All-Star to Golden State before the 2025 trade deadline. Miami received forwards Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson plus a top-10-protected 2025 first-round pick in the deal.
After the trade, Butler declined his player option and signed a two-year, $111 million contract with the Warriors that runs through the 2026-27 season.
Settlement Closes Dispute
Winderman reported that the $3 million settlement was acceptable to both sides: the Heat were judged within their rights to discipline Butler, while the player’s challenge to the magnitude of the fines was also considered reasonable.
Source: Basketball Insiders
