It was previously reported that Pat Riley might have called Minnesota Timberwolves' coach Tom Thibodeau a motherbleeping something or other, but it appears to have been a falsity according to the Miami Heat exec himself. The Miami Heat's media department helped their GM clear things up by issuing a press release on his behalf. The statement reads and I quote:
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 this league,” it begins. "Our conversations have been nothing but cordial and I have never used that kind of language in negotiations, but I do admit to telling Danny Ainge (of the Celtics) to..." and then it cuts off.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1050875833366253568
The quote makes reference to one of Pat Riley's more infamous moments as an NBA executive when he lambasted fellow exec Danny Ainge for criticizing LeBron James, who at the time had spoken out against a series of hard fouls he felt should have been called during the 2013 NBA season. Back then, LeBron James was a member of the Miami Heat, employed under Pat Riley.
With all that cleared up, it appears Pat Riley is still embroiled in trade talks over Jimmy Butler, however unlikely at this point of contact. The Miami Heat just extended Justise Winslow and are in a tight cap situation, in no thanks to Pat Riley's "careful planning."
