Jimmy Butler is back in the Miami Heat lineup as if he never left, although they suffered a 20-point defeat to the Denver Nuggets in his return from a seven-game suspension. With there being no imminent trade lined up to placate Butler’s demands,

Even though his ongoing feud with Heat executive Pat Riley is still not resolved, Butler does not yet have a new home. While there are perhaps several suitors ( including the Suns) with potential interest in the veteran, without a deal, Butler is still employed by the Heat and obligated to play.

If history is an indicator, Jimmy Butler is gone. Perhaps not in the moment, perhaps not this month, but when it comes to suspensions and sanctions issued during the Pat Riley era, a parting is