Paul Pierce explains how Miami Heat-Jimmy Butler fallout will impact Pat Riley and the Heat (Image credit: Imagn)
Miami Heat President Pat Riley has come under fire as of late regarding the team's relationship with Jimmy Butler. After Riley said late last year that the Heat wouldn't be trading Butler, the team decided to suspend him for seven games for comments the veteran forward made to media members this week. In addition, Pat Riley and the Heat are now open to hearing trade offers for Butler.
The way Hall of Famer Paul Pierce sees things, the situation is going to have a lasting impact on how players view the Heat.
After leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances in the span of five years, Pat Riley's criticism of Butler after Miami's postseason exit last year combined with the team's unwillingness to extend Butler isn't a good look for the franchise according to Pierce:
"The players see what’s going on with all Miami superstars , so why would another superstar player go to Miami if this how they all get treated with no respect, after what they have done for the franchise."
