Following Jimmy Butler’s exit to the Golden State Warriors, questions swirled around the trade package Miami Heat received in return, perceived by some as underwhelming.
But team president Pat Riley defended the front office’s decision-making, noting that the situation was largely dictated by limited trade partners.
“We were pretty much locked in with one team (Phoenix), the team of his choice,” Riley explained. “It didn’t happen there. We took the deal we felt was best for us now and also in the future.”
Riley emphasized that the Heat’s focus is now on flexibility and development.
“We have young players. We have medium age players in their prime. Our draft picks are in better order than what they were. We have a lot of flexibility. That’s where the blueprint is going to come from this summer.”
The message was clear: while the return for Butler may not have been splashy, the Heat are shifting to a new phase centered on roster balance and long-term planning.
Heat's Pat Riley Discusses Butler, Roster, Tax, Herro, More https://t.co/HjLIXwPGI2 pic.twitter.com/1CheZqu48r
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