Head coach Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat looks on before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 18, 202

Though Butler's time in Miami didn't end on a great note with the franchise suspending him multiple times and Butler saying he no longer felt "joy" playing basketball with the Heat, head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed gratitude toward Butler in his first at-length comments on the trade since Butler left.

As the Miami Heat face the Boston Celtics on Monday night, it will be the home debut of the team’s new additions Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Davion Mitchell. The Heat are still coming off of tr

The Miami Heat were one of the busiest teams in the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline, making significant moves to adjust their roster. Now, coach Erik Spoelstra has opened up about what it’s like to navigate such trade drama.

"I think we have enough respect for each other that we texted each other once the deal went through just to wish each other the best on it," Spoelstra said. "And we also have that respect that you want each other to learn about the respective players without any kind of influence."

“Spoelstra did not offer Butler an explanation for the change, and Butler was informed about three hours later that he was being suspended again,” The Athletic continued. “When the Heat announced the suspension on their official X account, the explanation for his punishment included a reference to him ‘walking out of practice earlier today.'”

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra ready for fresh start after Jimmy Butler trade drama and showed gratitude for him. The Miami Heat appear ready to turn the page after months of trade drama surrounding Jimmy Butler.