Newest Jimmy Butler injury update offers hope for his return to Heat

There have been conflicting reports about how long Jimmy Butler will remain sidelined.
Dec 31, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts after a call
Dec 31, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) reacts after a call / Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports
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Some good news on the Jimmy Butler injury front.

Amid speculation that Butler’s right foot injury could lead to an extended absence, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Ira Winderman contacted Butler’s agent to offer some clarification. 

“We’ve been able to gather all the info we needed to feel comfortable to move forward,” agent Bernie Lee texted the Sentinel, “and thankfully everything that’s come back has indicated that this shouldn’t be a long-term or lingering issue.”

There have been conflicting reports about how long Jimmy Butler will remain sidelined, but his agent said it "shouldn't be a long-term issue."

The Miami Heat return from a five-game trip to play the Houston Rockets Monday at Kaseya Center.

Butler, who has missed seven of Miami’s last eight games with injuries, including the last three with the foot injury he sustained in a Dec. 30 loss to the Utah Jazz, returned to Miami for treatment earlier in the week.

“I expect him to power through as fast as possible like he always does,” Lee added.

This clarification comes on the heels of The Athletic’s Shams Charania suggesting that Butler could be out for an extended time with the injury.

"Jimmy Butler is going to have to take some time here,” Charania said on FanDuel TV on Friday. “[The Heat] are going to be cautious with him.”

Butler, 34, is being listed on the injury report with a “right first MP joint sprain.” The Heat will issue their next injury report Sunday, before playing their next four at home.

Perhaps Butler can return during this homestand. With Butler sidelined, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been starting in his place.

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