Mar 25, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Heat's Pat Riley On Jimmy Butler Tenure: 'It's Over. He's Done.'

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated May 9, 2025 1:18 PM ET

Miami Heat team president Pat Riley refused to avoid the question but didn't want to dwell on the Jimmy Butler situation.

On Friday, Riley held his annual postseason press conference to address the state of the team. Naturally, Jimmy Butler was the first subject.

Riley answered honestly.

"There's no doubt that what happened with Jimmy had a tremendous impact on our team," Riley said. "There's no doubt about it. The buck stops with me. I'll take that hit you want it."

Butler had a season-long rift with the organization. It boiled down to Butler wanting the Heat to commit to a contract extension. Riley refused at the time, preferring to wait until the offseason to address it.

It led to Butler being suspended three times during the season before ultimately sent to the Golden State Warriors at midseason. While the Heat were swept in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Butler has the Warriors in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Still, Riley held ground on how he handled the situation.

"I'm not going to apologize for saying no on the contract extension that we didn't have to," Riley said. "I don't think I should ... It's over. He's done. I wish him well. Good luck to him. I hope deep down in his heart somewhere he wishes us well, too."