Speaking out for the first time since Butler was suspended three times this season by the Heat and ultimately traded in February to Golden State, Riley — at his annual end-of-season news conference — said he wishes Butler well, and suspects that deep down the former Heat forward wants good things for Miami as well.
“There’s no doubt that what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team,” Riley said. “There’s no doubt about it. So, the buck stops with me. I’ll take that hit if you want it.”
The Heat declined to offer Butler a two-year, $113 million extension, Butler kept getting suspended and said he lost his joy over playing in Miami, and the team had no choice but to trade him away.
“I’m not going to apologize for saying no on a contract extension when we didn’t have to,” Riley said. “And I don’t think I should.”
If any hard feelings remain from the Miami side, Riley didn’t indicate as much Friday.
“It’s over,” Riley said. “I wish him well, good luck to him and I hope deep down in his heart somewhere he wishes us well, too.”
“I think we do have to make changes,” Riley said. “There’s no doubt there has to be some change.” Riley said he doesn’t expect the Heat to “run it back” with virtually the same roster next season, which means the team will pursue trades this summer.
