- Video: Dwyane Wade hilariously catches Shaquille O’Neal snoring in astronaut helmet
- Bam Adebayo’s blunt 5-word assessment after brutal loss to Atlanta Hawks
- Miami Heat news: Jimmy Butler to miss 2nd straight game vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Report: It’s no secret that Victor Oladipo has a desire to play for Miami Heat
- Report: NBA spokesman denies that Jimmy Butler rejected All-Star Game invitation
- Miami Heat provide injury report for Tuesday’s game vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Miami Heat earn huge shout-out from Magic Johnson for improved play amid 6-game winning streak
- Jackie MacMullan on Miami Heat potentially making a move: ‘Pat [Riley] will do something’
- Report: Miami Heat and New York Knicks have interest in Victor Oladipo
- Chicago Bulls insider labels Miami Heat as potential destination for Thaddeus Young
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
[xyz-ihs snippet=”HN-300×250-Image”]
". . . 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.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”HN-300×250-TextnImage”]
You must be logged in to post a comment Login