Miami Heat president Pat Riley has recently given his side of the story on the controversial Jimmy Butler ’s exit from the franchise while addressing his retirement. In his end-of-season press conference on May 9, 2025, Riley addressed everything from the Heat's disappointing performance to the highly publicized split with Butler. While the Heat’s early playoff exit and underperformance were top of mind for many, the real focus remained on the team's future and the fallout from the Butler trade.
Pat Riley shuts down retirement buzz
The Miami Heat’s season ended with a first-round sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking one of the franchise’s most lopsided postseason exits in recent history. Despite making it through the NBA Play-In Tournament to secure the No. 8 seed, the team couldn’t continue their A-game. For Pat Riley, the season's outcome was far from ideal, but it was clear that the organization was already looking ahead. He acknowledged, “I do think we do have to make changes. There’s no doubt. There has to be some change.”
While the Heat's immediate future remains uncertain, Riley made it clear that his position is not in question. At 80 years old, Riley is as competitive as hell, stating, “I just turned 80, and I'm proud of it and 80 is the new 60. I mean, that's how I look at it. I feel great. I am competitive as hell.” Despite the frustrations of the season, Riley is committed to rebuilding the team and has the backing of Miami Heat owner Micky Arison and CEO Nick Arison to continue leading the charge. “They said, ‘Carry on, Pat.’ I’m going to carry on and try to make this thing better,” Riley shared.
“The buck stops with me. I'll take that hit if you want it,” Riley admitted. He went on to share that he didn’t regret the decision to not extend Butler’s contract, saying, “I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension when we didn’t have to. And I don’t think I should.” Though the split was painful, Riley expressed respect for Butler’s contributions to the team, noting, “He played his a*s off, his heart out for us. When you get two alphas in the same room, sometimes it doesn’t work.”
Despite the tension, Riley stressed that there were no lingering hard feelings. “It’s over,” he said. “I wish him well, good luck to him, and I hope deep down in his heart somewhere he wishes us well too.”
Also Read: “It’s never just about me and Luka” – LeBron James breaks silence on devastating Los Angeles Lakers defeat against Minnesota Timberwolves
Riley, who has spent over 30 years with the Miami Heat, isn’t planning on stepping away anytime soon. “It’s a process,” he acknowledged about Heat’s turbulent season. “But I’m not going to deal with a long process, nor is ownership.”
Pat Riley shuts down retirement buzz
The Miami Heat’s season ended with a first-round sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking one of the franchise’s most lopsided postseason exits in recent history. Despite making it through the NBA Play-In Tournament to secure the No. 8 seed, the team couldn’t continue their A-game. For Pat Riley, the season's outcome was far from ideal, but it was clear that the organization was already looking ahead. He acknowledged, “I do think we do have to make changes. There’s no doubt. There has to be some change.”
While the Heat's immediate future remains uncertain, Riley made it clear that his position is not in question. At 80 years old, Riley is as competitive as hell, stating, “I just turned 80, and I'm proud of it and 80 is the new 60. I mean, that's how I look at it. I feel great. I am competitive as hell.” Despite the frustrations of the season, Riley is committed to rebuilding the team and has the backing of Miami Heat owner Micky Arison and CEO Nick Arison to continue leading the charge. “They said, ‘Carry on, Pat.’ I’m going to carry on and try to make this thing better,” Riley shared.
Of course, the biggest story that dominated the offseason was the tumultuous relationship between Riley and Jimmy Butler. The star forward’s public dissatisfaction with the Heat, including multiple suspensions and criticism of team decisions, led to his trade to the Golden State Warriors in February 2025. Riley, who had seen Butler lead the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, reflected on the difficult situation.Pat Riley says he’s NOT retiring
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 9, 2025
“The new 80 is the new 60. I’m competitive as hell. I love being in the bowl. I got a little depressed after the last two games. Micky Arison and Nick Arison and I met and they’ve been very good to me, and they said carry on, Pat. I’m going to… pic.twitter.com/n1QFrNCN0u
“The buck stops with me. I'll take that hit if you want it,” Riley admitted. He went on to share that he didn’t regret the decision to not extend Butler’s contract, saying, “I’m not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension when we didn’t have to. And I don’t think I should.” Though the split was painful, Riley expressed respect for Butler’s contributions to the team, noting, “He played his a*s off, his heart out for us. When you get two alphas in the same room, sometimes it doesn’t work.”
Despite the tension, Riley stressed that there were no lingering hard feelings. “It’s over,” he said. “I wish him well, good luck to him, and I hope deep down in his heart somewhere he wishes us well too.”
Riley also shared details on the potential roster changes. “I think we do have to make changes. There’s no doubt. There has to be some change,” Riley stated. This could involve exploring trades or free-agent acquisitions, especially as the Heat aim to build around rising star Tyler Herro .Pat Riley says the Heat ‘probably won’t run it back’ next season
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 9, 2025
(h/t @HeatCulture13)pic.twitter.com/LeKS8rQUfo
Also Read: “It’s never just about me and Luka” – LeBron James breaks silence on devastating Los Angeles Lakers defeat against Minnesota Timberwolves
Riley, who has spent over 30 years with the Miami Heat, isn’t planning on stepping away anytime soon. “It’s a process,” he acknowledged about Heat’s turbulent season. “But I’m not going to deal with a long process, nor is ownership.”
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