Pat Riley, the Miami Heat’s president, refused to evade the topic but did not want to dwell on the Jimmy Butler problem.
Riley conducted his customary postseason press conference on Friday to discuss the team’s current situation. Naturally, Jimmy Butler was the first subject.
Riley responded honestly.
“There’s no doubt that what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team,” Riley told the crowd. “There is no doubt about it.” The buck stops with me. “I will take that hit if you want it.”
Butler had a season-long conflict with the organization. Butler wanted the Heat to commit to a contract extension. Riley declined at the moment, opting to wait until the offseason to handle it.
Butler was suspended three times during the season before being transferred to the Golden State Warriors in midseason. The Heat were swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Butler has the Warriors in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Riley was firm in his approach to the matter.
“I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension that we didn’t have to,” says Riley. “I do not believe I should… It is over. It’s finished. I wish him well. Good luck to him. I’m hoping that somewhere deep in his heart, he wishes us well.
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