At his season-ending press conference on Friday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley discussed the trade involving Jimmy Butler, the possibility of a contract extension for Tyler Herro, and the future direction of the team, which finished 10th in the Eastern Conference.
Regarding the team`s direction, Riley stated that the era with Butler has concluded, but the Heat are not planning to intentionally lose games (tank).
Riley mentioned he only attempted tanking twice, achieving some success, particularly in 2008. He clarified that while he was successful in 2008 and somewhat during the year they drafted Dwyane Wade (2002-03), he never publicly announced the intention to tank, always maintaining the goal was to win.
He referenced two seasons: 2002-03 (25-57 record, drafted Dwyane Wade 5th overall) and 2007-08 (15-67 record, drafted Michael Beasley 2nd overall), illustrating past instances where the team had poor records leading to high draft picks.
Riley characterized the Butler trade as the 14th “retooling” or “tweak” the franchise has undertaken since his arrival in 1995.
He explained the decision to trade Butler was based on what was best for the team in both the present and the future. He highlighted the current roster mix of young players and prime-aged veterans, improved draft pick situation, and increased flexibility as factors shaping the team`s strategy for the summer.
Riley on Not Apologizing for Butler Comments/Contract Stance
Riley also addressed the breakdown in the relationship with Butler, which followed comments Riley made a year prior about Butler needing to “keep his mouth shut” and his implication that Butler wouldn`t receive an extension that offseason. Despite a later statement that Butler wouldn`t be traded, tensions led to Butler being suspended three times before his eventual trade in February.
Riley acknowledged that the situation with Butler significantly affected the team and took responsibility for it, stating, “the buck stops with me.”
However, Riley expressed no regret for his comments or his handling of Butler`s contract situation. He reiterated his belief that players should remain quiet after a loss and focus on the next season, acknowledging that player dynamics are different today. He specifically stated he would not apologize for declining the contract extension request at the time.
While admitting the end of Butler`s time with the team “wasn`t fun,” Riley was quick to emphasize his appreciation and positive feelings for Butler despite the difficulties. He stated he didn`t want the negative conclusion to overshadow his respect for the player.
Riley recalled positive memories of Butler`s performance, including his dominant Game 5 in the 2020 NBA Finals (a photo of which he keeps in his office), the team`s unexpected Finals run from the play-in tournament in 2023, and a specific shot attempt against the Celtics that he believed would send them back to the Finals.
He praised Butler for giving his utmost effort for the team.
Riley noted that the final year and a half felt different, marked by injuries and availability issues. He concluded by wishing Butler well and hoping Butler felt the same towards the Heat organization.
The Need for Team Changes
Reflecting on the recent playoff series sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, which included historically lopsided games, Riley admitted Games 3 and 4 were “humbling.” However, he believes the series outcome didn`t fully reflect the team`s actual capabilities.
He described the team as competitive, capable of building significant leads, but noted a tendency to lose those leads in the fourth quarter. Moving forward, he emphasized the need for consistent defensive intensity and roster improvements.
Riley explicitly stated, “We do have to make changes. There`s no doubt. There has to be some change.”
He indicated the front office would evaluate options, including being open to trading for a “great, great player” if available. He also noted that smaller roster additions, citing the 2020 acquisitions of Iguodala, Crowder, and Hill, could be impactful.
Riley drew a parallel to building the 2006 championship team, emphasizing that success isn`t achieved overnight. He recounted the gradual assembly of that roster through drafts and acquisitions, culminating unexpectedly in the opportunity to acquire Shaquille O`Neal.
His point was to illustrate that building a championship contender takes time and effort. However, he clarified that the team is not planning a complete teardown and lengthy rebuild, stating that while it`s a process, he and ownership are not interested in a “long process.”
A specific goal for the offseason is to avoid being a luxury-tax team next season, which the Butler trade has made more feasible. However, decisions still need to be made regarding players like Duncan Robinson and Davion Mitchell, alongside potential talent additions.
Tyler Herro`s Future
Riley described Tyler Herro, who made his first All-Star team, as a “pivotal offensive player.” He noted that Herro faces significant defensive attention (“getting beat up, overly schemed”) and the team needs more players capable of alleviating that pressure.
Herro, age 25, is eligible for a three-year, $149.7 million extension starting October 1st. If not agreed upon, a four-year extension worth a projected $206.9 million could be discussed in the 2026 offseason.
Herro previously stated his desire to remain with the Heat, mentioning that if an extension isn`t reached by October, it could happen the following summer, albeit likely at a higher cost.
Riley felt Herro handled the extension question well and confirmed discussions have taken place. He expressed his hope that Herro would spend his entire career with the Heat.
Riley used the term “ignitable” to describe Herro`s playing style. He emphasized the team`s need to strategize against opponents attempting to neutralize Herro and highlighted Herro`s personal development goal to learn how to score effectively even when facing intensive defensive schemes, similar to how a player like Steph Curry adapts.
Significantly, Riley did not commit to offering Herro the maximum possible extension. He raised questions about which players truly warrant maximum salaries in the current market, noting the escalating contract values.
He affirmed that Herro is “deserving of the thought of an extension” and confirmed discussions have happened, with Herro understanding the situation, but stopped short of confirming the team`s commitment to offering one yet.
Regardless of the extension outcome, Riley confirmed that the team`s current focus is building around Herro and Bam Adebayo, viewing them as key pieces acquired “at the right time” for the team`s forward trajectory.
Jasper Hawthorne