On April 27, Miami Heat President
Pat Riley reflected upon the frustrating 2025-2026 season and shared his thoughts about what could be next for the franchise in his
end-of-season exit interview.
Pat Riley Opens Press Conference
Riley addressed many media concerns over what fans might consider a disappointing season. He immediately opened the press conference by addressing the rumors over his alleged retirement, telling the media, “I’m not going to retire. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to step aside.”
Additionally, he emphasized that he was just as frustrated as the rest of the franchise with the lack of winning over the past few seasons, with the exception of the Finals run the team made in the 2023 playoffs. The Heat ended this season 43-39 with a controversial loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the 9th-seed-versus-10th-seed game of the Play-In Tournament. Despite being a play-in team every year since 2023, Riley reiterates his disdain for tanking and quotes, “I’m not going to apologize for being a play-in team.”
Terry Rozier & Trade Deadline
Pat Riley and the Miami front office received a lot of criticism over the way they chose to handle the roster throughout this season. In regard to the Terry Rozier situation, a reporter asked Riley about why the Heat had chosen to ‘settle’ with a second-round pick from the Hornets as a result of the dispute. He felt that trading for Rozier was wise at the time and confirmed that he didn’t negotiate the settlement, the league did.
The former Miami Heat guard was arrested by the FBI last October for his alleged involvement in the sports betting scandal that took place during his time with the Hornets back in March of 2023. The FBI charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, both of which he pleaded not guilty to. Federal prosecutors recently announced that they’re expected to bring on additional charges by mid-May. The Heat didn’t officially waive Rozier until April 10.
Another point of criticism was the absence of activity at the trade deadline. Despite heightened rumors that the Heat could potentially land Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and/or Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, Miami was the only Eastern Conference team not to make a move at the February 5 deadline. Pat Riley clarified that, when it comes to transactional decisions, “I don’t have final say here. I never had it. Never had it when I came and, quite frankly, I don’t think I want it.”
What’s Next for the Heat?
Pat Riley insisted that he and the front office will
remain aggressive going into the offseason. Specifically, in his
exit interview with
Bam Adebayo, he claimed that he and all the other decision makers in the front office are going to get him help. Riley also clarified to the press that the Heat will not be trading Bam. In relation to potential trade acquisitions this summer, he continued to insist that
Miami is a desirable location.
The NBA will hold the draft lottery on May 10. The Heat are expected to land the 13th pick, with ESPN having them select Alabama sophomore guard Labaron Philon Jr. in their latest
mock draft. Miami also has the 41st pick.
In addition to the draft, the Miami Heat will also have to make decisions on certain players’ contract renewals and extensions — most notably
Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and
Andrew Wiggins.
How About Herro?
Tyler Herro’s injuries have become a big factor in the potential extension conversation, with Riley saying, “You know, it’s unfortunate. You know what happened with Tyler this year. He’s having a preemptive procedure done, which I like. It’s good. He’ll be ready to go, I think, by July. So, he’s got more than enough time ahead of training camp. And we all know what Tyler can do, you know, we know what he can do.”
He continued, “But as far as locking ourselves up with anybody right now, I think having good, honest discussions with their agents about next year is what’s on the table for us because I have absolutely great respect for Wiggs and Norm. Both of them have expressed to me at the exit [interviews] they really would like to stay here, you know, but they have to be aware of the big picture also, and they understand it. They’re both very savvy businessmen players, you know, from that standpoint. Same thing with Tyler. He understands now.”
Riley’s Parting Words
Pat Riley described where he stands this offseason, “I think we feel the need [to make a move], that we should try to make the best move that we can to upgrade…but we’ll try hard to aggressively pursue opportunities in free agency, at the draft, and then you go on to the trade deadline. You’ve got all summer to work on other parts of your roster. And so, I don’t feel the pressure to do that.”
“I’ll put pressure on myself to go out and try to accomplish something, but I’m not going to make a stupid move.”
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