Heat forward Jimmy Butler on leave of absence after death in family

Butler is out indefinitely after being granted permission to miss Sunday's loss to the visiting Celtics.

Associated Press

February 11, 2024 9:52 PM

Jimmy Butler is averaging a team-high 21.4 points per game this season.

MIAMI (AP) — Heat star forward Jimmy Butler missed Miami’s 110-106 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday because of personal reasons.

The club has granted Butler a leave of absence after the death of a family member. It has not been determined how long Butler will be away from the team, which has games at Milwaukee and Philadelphia this week before the All-Star break.

Statement on Jimmy Butler per his agent, Bernie Lee

Jimmy Butler has been granted a leave of absence as he deals with the death of a family member. Jimmy and his family ask for privacy at this point in time as they navigate this loss. Updates will be given when appropriate.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 11, 2024