MIAMI — Miami Heat president Pat Riley confirmed Tuesday he has no plans to retire or step aside after the franchise failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2019.
“I’m not going to retire. I’m not going to resign,” Riley, 81, told reporters during his annual end-of-season news conference at the team’s headquarters. “I want another parade down Biscayne Boulevard. It may come, it may not, but that’s my attitude.”
Play-in loss ends streak
Miami’s season ended on April 14 with a 127-126 overtime defeat to the Charlotte Hornets in the 9-10 play-in game, marking the fourth consecutive year the club opened the postseason in the play-in tournament.
No interest in rebuilding
Riley dismissed any notion of bottoming out for draft assets. “I am not going to tank. We are not going into the lottery and doing that insanity—because I would quit if I were ever ordered to go down that road,” he said. “I’m always thinking of ways to win.”
Roster decisions ahead
The Heat hold a lottery pick for the first time since 2018. Norman Powell, coming off his first All-Star selection, is headed for free agency, while Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. become eligible for extensions. Andrew Wiggins has a $30.2 million player option for 2026-27.
Riley promised an aggressive approach this summer as league-wide trade discussions are expected to intensify, particularly around Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, he ruled out including Bam Adebayo in any deal, calling the center the franchise’s “pillar” and “culture-carrier.” Asked what might change his mind, Riley quipped he would need “eight picks and Victor Wembanyama.”
Health and contracts
Herro appeared in just 33 games this season and recently underwent what Riley described as a “preemptive procedure” on his foot. The guard is expected to be cleared by July. Riley said Miami must show “discipline” before committing to another large extension for Herro.
Leadership outlook
Riley noted final authority on basketball decisions rests with managing partners Micky and Nick Arison, adding he does not seek absolute control. Despite acknowledging his age, Riley reiterated his commitment to the organization he joined nearly 31 years ago. “One day it will happen,” he said of retirement. “But I love what I’m doing.”
The longtime executive admitted the club’s recent results fall short of expectations. “I’m really pissed, disappointed, disgruntled—just like everybody else here who understands we’re about winning,” he said. “If we’re competing for the last play-in spot, we’ll fight to the very last breath.”
Source: ESPN
