When it comes to NBA basketball, few people have their ear to the ground the way Zach Lowe does. The highly respected writer and podcaster started as a beat-writer but has gradually developed into one of the league’s top analysts.
During a recent episode of his podcast, Lowe provided some interesting information on the chaos and turmoil taking place with the Miami Heat organization.
The Heat did not put up much of a fight in their first round playoff matchup versus the Boston Celtics, tumbling to a 4-1 series loss. Miami played the entire series without their leading scorer Jimmy Butler and the All-Star seemed to think that was a key factor in the team’s elimination. Butler publicly stated Miami would have won the series if he was healthy. That led to a blistering response from Heat president and former coach Pat Riley who stated: “If you’re not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut.”
“He could have said that a little bit more politely, stated Lowe regarding Riley’s comments. “Like even if you’re tongue-in-cheek, you could have been like, you know, I just wish he wouldn’t have said anything. He wasn’t available. He was like, no, I’m going to hit him with the jab and then the right hook and be pretty blunt about it. That is that opened a lot of eyes around the NBA. Let’s put it that way. My phone was lighting up during the Riley press conference. They are maybe ground zero for the NBA offseason starting right now.”
Pat Riley’s recent comments on Jimmy Butler reportedly ‘opened a lot of eyes around the NBA,’ per @ZachLowe_NBA
“He could have said that a little bit more politely. Like even if you're tongue-in-cheek, you could have been like, you know, I just wish he wouldn't have said… pic.twitter.com/vcU7GL8Vf2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 8, 2024
Riley has said that the organization is not interested in trading Butler but has also stated there have been no discussions regarding a contract extension.
Butler has two years remaining on a three-year, $146.4 million contract.
After a stellar season where he averaged 20.8 points, 5 assists and 5.3 rebounds, there will be plenty of interest around the league if he does decide to seek a trade. With what seems to have been a turbulent week in Miami, NBA teams will be ready to swoop if there is any possibility of snatching the six-time All-Star from the Heat.
