- Report: Omer Yurtseven cleared for high-impact work with hope to return after All-Star break
- Brian Windhorst thinks the Miami Heat need to make a trade because they have ‘one of the worst benches in the league’
- Report: Teams continue to call Miami Heat to gauge Kyle Lowry’s trade status
- Jimmy Butler makes heartfelt post for kid who traveled far to see him play: ‘Incredible kid that has an amazing life ahead of him’
- Kyle Lowry speaks out on trade rumors involving him and complaints from Miami Heat fans about his scoring
- Report: Heat began talking to Timberwolves about possible Kyle Lowry-D’Angelo Russell trade in December
- Shaquille O’Neal leaves Bam Adebayo off of his All-Star reserve ballot
- NBA executives believe the Miami Heat may not be willing to part with Caleb Martin for Cam Reddish
- Report: Miami Heat not willing to offer Caleb Martin to Phoenix Suns for Jae Crowder
- Report: Miami Heat interested in adding help at guard
Pat Riley Personally Addresses What He Said to Tom Thibodeau During Trade Talks
- Updated: October 12, 2018
Earlier this week, it was reported that during the breakdown of trade talks between the Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, Heat team president Pat Riley swore at Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau before hanging up the phone in frustration.
The report seemed to signify not only an emphatic end to the trade talks regarding All-Star Jimmy Butler, but also pointed to just how frustrated Riley had become with the entire situation.
On Friday, Riley issued a statement regarding the rumored interaction with Thibodeau, denying that any kind of profanity was used during trade discussions.
Pat Riley statement: "As to what has been reported in the past 24 hours, I have too much respect for Tom Thibodeau and all that he's accomplished in the league. Our conversations have been nothing but cordial . . . "
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 12, 2018
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". . . and I have never used that kind of language in negotiations. But I do admit to telling Danny Ainge to . . ." (That reference to his "STFU" quote during the LeBron Era.) https://t.co/LtAslAWeu7
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 12, 2018
It’s impossible to know what exactly took place between Riley and Thibodeau as the Heat worked as hard as they could to land on a deal good enough to acquire Butler. What does seem abundantly clear is that both sides are no closer to getting a deal done now than they were several weeks ago.
On Wednesday, Butler joined his Timberwolves teammates for a news-grabbing scrimmage. While he may not be happy with his current squad, he has seemingly accepted the fact that he may very well begin the 2018-19 season in Minnesota.
It will be fascinating to see if Riley and the Heat try to bring Butler to Miami before the trade deadline arrives in early February.
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