There was no pretense of Butler being a vibrant part of the Heat for Friday’s game. He shot by himself in warmups. There was none of the choreographed palm-slapping with teammates that’s a typical part of any pregame. Kevin Love did run out to him just before the center-tap and shake hands. It looked like the first time they’d seen each other.

Though Butler is returning to the court as his team-issued seven-game suspension ends, his dispute with the Heat remains far from resolved.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was back on the court Friday night for the first time since he was handed a seven-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is eligible to return from his seven-game suspension Friday against the Denver Nuggets, but some within the

The Jimmy Butler saga that has taken place with the Miami Heat over the last few months has been nothing short of interesting. From Butler's agent, Bernie Lee,

Butler met with Heat president Pat Riley last week, and then met with Heat owner Micky Arison and chief executive officer Nick Arison on Thursday, according to league sources. Through it all, Butler has remained adamant about his desire to be traded.

Jimmy Butler is back. Officially. His seven-game suspension is over, and he was not listed on the injury report in advance of Friday's game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets. Less than two hours before tip-off,

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler returns from a seven-match ban with 18 points as his side lose to the Denver Nuggets.

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat mended the fence enough for him to play Friday night, his first game back from a seven-game suspension. Does that mean both sides are ready to proceed like nothing—including a seemingly never-ending trade saga and public feud between Butler and Heat president Pat Riley—ever happened?

Butler, 35, had been suspended for "detrimental conduct," which cost him approximately $2.36 million in lost salary.

The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be one team interested in Butler, but that involves the Heat taking Bradley Beal and the two seasons and $110.7 million remaining on Beal’s contract. Plus, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Suns would be willing to give Butler another financially significant contract.