“Trade the Man”: Celtics Legend Thrashes Pat Riley for “Forcing” Jimmy Butler as Concern Rises

It seems as though Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley are determined to keep Miami Heat fans guessing. Just when it appeared that the 6x All-Star’s chapter in Miami might be closing, Butler made a surprising return to the team. But is this a resolution of differences or simply a case of the Heat president asserting his authority, as he is known to do?

Former Boston Celtics star Kendrick Perkins certainly leans toward the latter interpretation.

“Pat Riley forcing Jimmy Butler to be a Heat is doing nothing but messing with the chemistry in the locker room!!! Just trade the man. My God,” Perkins wrote on X. The Heat’s performance statistics seem to support his concern.

Last season, Miami boasted a winning percentage exceeding 60% through their first 40 games. This year, however, the team is hovering closer to 50% as they approach their 40th game this Sunday. Thus adding weight to Perk’s concerns.

Now, this isn’t the first time the ex-Celtics star has voiced his stance on Jimmy Butler’s situation in Miami. Previously, he commented, “Pat Riley gotta his put his pride aside and get Jimmy to another destination. That relationship has run its course.” His repeated remarks suggest he firmly believes that the 35-year-old’s presence on the roster is no longer beneficial to the team.

He, however, has been vocal in his support of Butler, even after the guard’s controversial suspension. Following the Heat’s decision to suspend Jimmy for 7 games, Perkins criticized Riley on X, saying, “7 games? What type of sh*t it that? Pat Riley outta line man.”

The suspension, notably, stemmed from Butler’s remarks during a post-game press conference, where he openly expressed doubts about his future in Miami. However, his subsequent return to the Heat lineup in a game against the Denver Nuggets only fueled further debate.

“This is like going back to your ex. There’s a reason yall broke up. This won’t last long and it’ll end ugly,” one user wrote on X, echoing widespread skepticism on social media. The fact that Butler had himself previously said he could no longer find the “joy” for the game in Miami explains the incoming reactions.

Now, there was a time when Riley seemed in no mood to let Butler go. “We are not trading Jimmy Butler,” he said in December last year. But with alleged continued “conduct detrimental to the team” that led to the 7-game suspension, there now lies a mystery around the Marquette alum’s fate with the team.

What’s the present scenario around Jimmy Butler’s future in the league?

What’s next for Jimmy Butler? That’s the big question on every NBA fan’s mind. At the start of the season, it seemed like the Miami Heat were committed to their 6x All-Star, with Pat Riley making it clear that trading Butler wasn’t on the table. But things have taken a dramatic turn.

The Heat after the 7-game suspension for Jimmy released a surprising statement that left many fans stunned. “Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.”

And with Jimmy Butler also desiring a way out, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly ready to pounce. Kendrick Perkins, on the January 9 episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, revealed that the Suns have a two-year, $121 million extension waiting for the 6x All-Star if they can bring him on board.

Perkins emphasized that Kevin Durant’s close relationship with the Texas native is a driving force behind Phoenix’s push. But with Butler making a comeback with the Heat, the questions about his future are again hot.

More importantly, will Riley let the 6x All-Star land with the Suns if Butler desires to?