Jimmy Butler’s Inner Circle Questions Heat Culture as Tense Locker Room Report Deepens Miami Wounds Jimmy Butler's ally negates the recent report that the Miami Heat locker room issue stems from the v

Two NBA Finals appearances in five full seasons with the Miami Heat is how most will remember Jimmy Butler’s tenure with the franchise. Others, however, won’t forget the messy fallout that unfolded over several weeks and led to multiple suspensions. Docked $3 million in pay, the 36-year-old infamously admitted to losing his joy with the team. Now, eight months after his trade to the Golden State Warriors, new reports suggest Butler had been a source of “discomfort” in the Heat locker room. At least one close ally is coming to his defense.

Under the social media handle Ernny the Man, Butler’s longtime friend has been a visible supporter—sharing front-row seats at games and attending CONCACAF matches with him earlier this year. So it wasn’t surprising when he pushed back against the recent