Jimmy Butler Has 'Nothing to Say' to Heat's Pat Riley in Miami Return with Warriors
Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley won't be exchanging pleasantries on Tuesday.
As the Golden State Warriors star returns to Miami for his first game against the Heat since being traded, he made it clear he has no interest in talking to Riley.
"I have nothing to say to Pat, and Pat better have nothing to say to me," Butler told TNT Sports' Taylor Rooks.
It's safe to say Butler's tenure in Miami didn't end on good terms. Butler requested a trade in January before making it clear he had no interest in reconciling with the Heat. Before being traded, Butler earned three suspensions, the final being an indefinite suspension after he walked out of practice.
After indicating he wanted a trade on Jan. 2, Butler played just three more games for Miami before being dealt to Golden State.
Ultimately, Butler got his wish for a trade on Feb. 5. The Heat sent him to the Warriors in a multi-team deal that gave them Andrew Wiggins from Golden State. After the deal, Butler declined his $52 million player option and signed a two-year, $111 million deal with the Warriors.
That deal has worked out best for Golden State so far, as it has gone 16-4 since the trade and is seemingly on its way to a postseason appearance. The Heat are in 10th place in the East at 30-41.
Though the end of Butler's time in Miami was ugly, he accomplished a lot with the Heat. He helped the team find postseason success for the first time in the post-LeBron James era, taking the Heat to the playoffs five times and to the NBA Finals twice.
Butler also had some of his best individual seasons in a Heat uniform, earning a pair of All-Star nods while in Miami.
Even though most of Butler's tenure in Miami was positive, his exit is what will be remembered most. Perhaps one day Butler and Riley will reconcile, but it won't happen on Tuesday.
