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Throughout the Miami Heat’s training camp and preseason, reporters leaked information on trade discussions between the Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves over Jimmy Butler. And Pat Riley addressed those rumors with his players.
The message? Riley is pulling the plug.
Heat confirm Pat Riley did address players about Jimmy Butler trade rumors. Riley apologized for names being in rumors and said, "I'm pulling the plug," after rumors went on for too long. But doesn't mean trade can't happen down the road.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) October 18, 2018
Dragic: “I just want to focus on my job. But deep down, it affects you a little bit. I want to stay here. So when Pat came after practice and sat us down and we had a small meeting ... you can feel a little bit of relief. But that doesn’t mean in the near future it can’t happen.” https://t.co/IpyzfnveeD
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) October 19, 2018
The move was a good one for Riley to make. Players may understand that the NBA is a business, but they also know that always hearing their names in trade rumors shows them that they’re not valued. After the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a potential trade, it is best for Riley to move on and see how his team can perform as-is.
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