Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and team president Pat Riley appear to be at odds amid rumors of a potential trade. The tension began after Riley scolded Butler during an end-of-season press conference, citing comments about his team’s performance against Boston and New York.
Butler reportedly took exception to Riley’s criticism, feeling that the organization did not publicly deny reports suggesting he was on the trading block. He also expressed frustration over Miami’s decision not to offer him a max contract extension this offseason. Butler is said to be interested in being traded to four Western Conference teams, sparking social media exchanges with ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
The rift between Butler and Riley has deepened, with sources suggesting that Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline. The situation highlights growing tensions within the Heat organization as the team navigates its playoff prospects without Butler.
Source: https://www.si.com/nba/jimmy-butler-pat-riley-rift-amid-trade-buzz