The feud between Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and team executive Pat Riley took another turn, but this one is a bit sillier.
Butler is currently suspended for requesting a trade away from the Heat. There are several teams (including the Suns) that could have interest in trading for Butler, who recently said that he probably won’t find joy playing basketball again while playing for Miami’s organization.
However, according to Riley, the team has no plans to trade him despite tensions about Butler’s upcoming contract. Riley is known as a very tough individual to negotiate with and his relationship with Butler has remained tense since the end of last season.
Jimmy Butler throws shade at Pat Riley 👀
(via jimmybutler/IGS) pic.twitter.com/57Hl536Lb8
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 10, 2025
Butler appeared to subtly respond to some of this ongoing turmoil at his coffee shop.
He went up to one of the baristas and said “this is our best guy” right here.
The former Team USA gold medalist at the Olympics then joked that he gave his barista at BIGFACE in Miami a compliment.
“That’s what bosses do,” said Butler. “We build you up. We don’t break you down.”
As he delivered his last line, he looked directly at the camera and subtly smiled as if he was looking directly at Riley. He then gave a “thumbs up” as the video finished recording.
Of course, perhaps Butler is just discussing good management style and this has nothing to do with Riley. But based on everything going on in this saga so far, it sure seems like it has everything to do with Riley.
