For Jimmy Butler, his current season with the Miami Heat marked a disappointing end. After getting injured just before the playoffs, the superstar had to watch his team get annihilated by the Boston Celtics in the 1st round of the playoffs.
However, considering his uber-competitive mentality, he did not stop from suggesting what would have happened had he been playing. But it did not sit well with Pat Riley.
While speaking at a press conference at the Kaseya Center, the Godfather, as he is affectionately known, had quite a response to Jimmy Butler’s comments.
Essentially, the great Pat Riley was not appreciative of his leading superstar’s comments while out injured. Had he been on the court, Riley, of all people would have appreciated Butler’s talk if it went hand in hand with the walk.
Riley, in his more than two decades of work, has turned the Miami Heat into one of the most competitive teams in the NBA. That competition has led to consistently deep playoff runs and three championships. Therefore, for Jimmy Butler to speak from that situation was not something Riley appreciated.
Especially as injuries ended their season early. Riley probably expected a bit more humility from his superstar. At least the conference finals are what the Heat target every year. This year they were out in the 1st round.
Pat Riley reassures Jimmy Butler is not on the trade block right now
Reporters picked on Pat Riley’s comments and asked him if Butler could be traded to make the team better.
No. Not right now. You’re asking a question, and you want your answer. And you’re not gonna get it. I concur with everything Spo that said, because he and I discussed this. There’s a possibility that a lot of things are on the table. Pat Riley replied
Pat Riley was clear that Butler is unavailable for a trade. But he was also open to possibilities that could help the team in the future.
Essentially, Jimmy Butler has two problems facing him. First is that he is going to be 35 years old and has struggled with injuries off late. Second is his colossal salary, which puts the Heat at a disadvantage when it comes to drawing star players.
Therefore, if Butler can stay healthy and drive the Miami Heat to the top, Pat Riley will gladly extend him. If not, it could be the end of the road for the superstar in a Heat uniform.
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