From Villain to Victim: How Pat Riley, Not Jimmy Butler, Became the Face of Miami’s Fallout

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Jimmy Butler no longer painted as a villain while Pat Riley emerges as the one responsible for Miami Heat exit

No one is completely sure what exactly transpired in the final months in Miami, but Pat Riley is dealing with immense criticism.

Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley clearly didn't see eye to eye in the latter...Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley clearly didn’t see eye to eye in the latter stages of their relationship.LAPRESSE

As time passes, the Miami Heat trading away Jimmy Butler looks worse and worse for the franchise. Butler is crushing with his new team, and the Golden State Warriors can’t stop winning with him in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Heat have completely fallen apart without Butler holding the offense and defense together.

Making matters worse for the Heat have been the reports that have come out. While Butler was initially painted as the bad guy for trying to force his way out of Miami, the tables have turned in recent weeks. Now, Heat president Pat Riley has come under immense criticism for his role in the aftermath.

That escalated quickly! Jimmy Butler and Steve Kerr exchange words after a Warriors game

Kendrick Perkins claims Jimmy Butler wanted to retire a Miami Heat player

On a recent episode of NBA Today, Kendrick Perkins spoke about Butler’s situation and what led to the fallout. In his mind, Riley is the villain and the reason for it all.

There’s real beef there. We just heard Jimmy say if he sees Pat, he has nothing to say to him. That’s because Pat forced him out. Jimmy didn’t ever want to leave Miami. He was forced out of Miami. They chose Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. They said this is their franchise when he came to training camp. They didn’t want to give him the contract extension. I think Jimmy wanted to retire as a Miami Heat [player].

There’s a growing sentiment that Butler was pushed out by the front office. Butler himself has said that he didn’t feel properly valued by the organization. Many took that to mean he was talking about a contract, but he may have been signaling to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo taking precedence over him.

Whatever led to the fallout, the Warriors are thrilled it happened, and the Heat have to start anew and rebuild with another core.