Heat’s Pat Riley makes major announcement on offseason trade activity, per report

Miami Heat team president Pat Riley's decision to deal Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline led to the group's eventual slide down the Eastern Conference standings. Come season's end, Miami finished as the East's No. 10 seed with a 37-45 record, and were promptly swept in dominant fashion in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now, Riley could look to author a quick turnaround prior to the 2025-26 season by gunning for a franchise-altering trade acquisition this summer. In fact, Riley himself may have indirectly revealed one of his potential superstar targets during a recent end-of-season press conference.

"I think an aging great, great player, who may not be able to carry a team (on his own), together they can rise to the occasion in the playoffs," Riley shared with media members Friday, as shared by Heat reporter Zachary Weinberger via Twitter/X.

"So for us, yes, if that player is the right name and the contract is the right length, I still think an aging player can play."

Look at LeBron (James), I mean look at these players. It's incredible that players like LeBron and others that have played in their mid-late thirties can produce at a high level, can help teams win championships."

Without mentioning him by name, the first player that came to mind for many in the NBA sphere after hearing of these comments was the Phoenix Suns' 36-year-old future Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Durant, who will reportedly be working with Phoenix to find a trade partner.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

The Suns' legendary offensive talent just wrapped up his 17th campaign in the Association, as he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists on a ridiculous 64.2% true shooting percentage, certainly proving that he could likely offer meaningful contributions to a competitive team.

If there's one thing about the 80-year-old Riley, it's that he's not one comfortable with mediocrity. After shipping Butler to Golden State, his immediate intention is to re-tool and navigate this offseason in such a way that Miami becomes a true juggernaut in the East.

Durant's name has been included in trade rumors for the entirety of this past regular season, and he'll be set to join another franchise before the beginning of his 18th NBA season.

With upstart franchises like the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons also possibly looking to get involved in the Durant sweepstakes, it can be assured that Miami will gauge his value in negotiations sooner rather than later.

More NBA: NBA Playoffs Picks: Odds, Predictions for Saturday, May 10 Games