‘Disgruntled’ Pat Riley says of Heat role, ‘I’m not going to retire, I’m not going to resign, I’m not going to step aside’

MIAMI – Miami Heat President Pat Riley held his annual postseason media session Monday at Kaseya Center.

Among the topics he touched on:

– He refuted recent reports concerning his status in the front office.

– “”I’m not going to retire, I’m not going to resign, I’m not going to step aside,” he said. “When I came here almost 31 years ago, I had the same attitude that I had in that press conference on the Imagination.
– That being, “I want another parade down Biscayne Boulevard.”

– Of the team’s struggles in recent seasons, Riley said, “I’m really pissed, I’m disappointed, Disgruntled, just like everybody else in the organization, understands what we’re about. We’re about winning.”

– Still, vowing postseason any way possible, “If we are competing for the last spot in the play-in, we will fight to the very last breath.”

– He added, “I’m not going to apologize for being a play-in team.”

– “I’m not going to change. I’m not going to try to lose. I’m not going to tank,” he added.

– Of why not move at the trade deadline, “I’m not thinking of trading anybody for an asset.”

– He also said while he did not consider the Heat a championship contender at the time, he thought a run to the NBA Finals was possible.

– But there also was a concession to the times, “We’re not good enough. We’re not happy with it.”

– As for potentially tanking, “I’m not going to change. I’m not going to tank. I can’t stand the word.”

– He said there also is an eye toward cap space in the 2027 offseason, which would mean continued restraint.

– Of the January 2024 Terry Rozier trade, Riley said, “We traded for a player that we felt, at that time, was a real upgrade to the roster.”

– Of settling for a second-round pick as compensation for not being informed by the Hornets of the Rozier probe, Riley said, “We didn’t negotiate that deal. The NBA did.”

– He added, “That was not a very good situation. There’s no doubt.”

– Of extending Nikola Jovic last summer, Riley said he had Jovic on his lineup board at the time as a starter.