Heat President Pat Riley Vows to Stay on the Job
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MIAMI — Pat Riley made it clear Tuesday that he intends to remain at the top of the Miami Heat’s front office. During a 67-minute postseason news conference, the 81-year-old team president said retirement is not in his plans.
“I’m not going to retire. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to step aside,” Riley told reporters, adding that he still hopes to see “another parade down Biscayne Boulevard.”
Riley joined the Heat in 1995 as both head coach and president, relinquishing coaching duties in 2008. He said he loves his role, the organization and the competition, but acknowledged that managing partners Micky or Nick Arison will decide “whether I age out.”
Roster strategy
Riley rejected any notion of tanking or a full rebuild. “We’re not going to tank and do that insanity. I will quit if I get ordered to go down that road,” he said.
He plans to use the club’s primary offseason tools — a $16 million trade exception from the Duncan Robinson deal and a $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception — to seek roster upgrades. “I’m encouraged by the flexibility we have and the players we know are available,” he noted.
Core players and contract decisions
The longtime executive called center Bam Adebayo untouchable in trade talks. “I want to build this around Bam,” he said, adding that the All-Star needs more help.
Riley signaled it is “not likely” guard Tyler Herro will receive an extension this summer, citing a need for financial discipline. Herro is scheduled to undergo a minor foot procedure this week and is expected back on the court in July.
Forward Andrew Wiggins, who holds a $30 million player option, and free-agent wing Norman Powell have told the team they wish to return, Riley said. He also listed an elite scorer and greater overall length as offseason priorities, but warned he will avoid moves that could “saddle us for years to come.”
Rozier compensation dispute
Riley expressed frustration that Miami received only a second-round pick from Charlotte after the Hornets failed to provide full medical disclosure in the Terry Rozier trade. “That was handled pretty much by the league,” he said. “It was not a very good situation.”
The press conference covered additional topics, but Riley’s core message remained consistent: he has no intention of leaving and plans to keep pushing for another championship.
Source: Hoops Rumors
