Miami Heat President Pat Riley made a last-ditch effort to convince Jimmy Butler to stay with the franchise before ultimately approving the blockbuster trade that sent the All-Star to the Golden State Warriors. According to multiple reports, Riley pleaded with Butler in an effort to avoid a breakup, but the veteran forward had already made up his mind.
Riley’s Last Attempt
As trade talks heated up, Riley reportedly met with Butler to discuss the team’s future and how they could build around him. Sources say Riley emphasized the Heat’s commitment to contending, even exploring potential moves to bring in another star.
“Pat did everything he could to make Jimmy feel valued and to show him that Miami was still the best place for him,” an NBA executive told reporters. “But at the end of the day, Butler felt it was time to move on.”
Why Butler Wanted Out
Despite Riley’s attempts, Butler’s frustrations had been growing for months. After multiple deep playoff runs, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2023, the Heat failed to make the necessary roster improvements to keep pace with the East’s top contenders. Injuries and inconsistent supporting pieces reportedly wore on Butler, making him question the franchise’s direction.
Warriors Move Was Too Tempting
While Riley pushed to retain Butler, Golden State’s offer was too strong to ignore. The Heat ultimately agreed to send Butler to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, and two future first-round picks.
Now, Miami faces a new era without Butler, while Golden State hopes the fiery forward can be the missing piece in their pursuit of another championship. Pat Riley fought to keep him—but in the end, Butler chose a different path.
