"He's overrated" - Heat fans blast "too busy" Pat Riley for not pulling trigger on trades after massive Mikal Bridges-Knicks move 

On Tuesday, the New York Knicks reportedly landed Brooklyn Nets star wing Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade. Afterward, Miami Heat fans questioned why Heat president Pat Riley hasn't made a similar move following his squad's first-round playoff exit.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks acquired Bridges in exchange for veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic and a plethora of draft capital. That includes "four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via [the Milwaukee] Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder."

Shortly after the news, a Miami fan on X/Twitter called out Riley for his reluctance to make a blockbuster trade. He cited the veteran executive's attachment to fifth-year shooting guard Tyler Herro.

"Pat Riley watching teams get better by the hour, but he's too busy believing in Tyler Herro 'cos Jack Harlow made a song about him," @big_business_ said.

After the Heat's surprise 2023 NBA Finals appearance, Riley made very few moves to enhance the veteran-laden squad's roster. It subsequently fell 4-1 to the Boston Celtics in Round 1 of this year's postseason, with superstar forward Jimmy Butler (knee) sidelined.

Riley has since remained inactive in the trade market despite his team's involvement in trade rumors. Thus, on Tuesday, several other fans began questioning his approach to guiding Miami back to title contention.

"This MF just refuses to make any moves, LOL," @jiggyinyamouth said.

"That man is just old and stubborn," @Kxngkp1 said.

"He’s overrated. I’ll die on this hill. ... You’ve made two finals in four years, and your big upgrade was Terry Rozier," @juschriswheeler said.

Some fans also pointed out Riley's failure to capitalize on landing stars Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell over the past two offseasons.

"I gave up on that bum after the failed Dame trade," @CVeltchev said.

"[The] Heat had Dame Lillard and Donovan Mitchell both asking for Miami, and the best Pat has done for Jimmy and Bam [Adebayo] is surround them with Patty Mills and 48-year-old Kevin Love. Riley needs to retire," @J_u_590 said.

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Pat Riley, Heat reportedly focused on 2024 NBA draft and Jimmy Butler's contract situation

As for why Pat Riley and the Heat haven't made a blockbuster trade this offseason, they reportedly have other priorities.

According to a Tuesday report from Bleacher Report's Zach Bachar, they are "focusing on the contract situation of Jimmy Butler as well as the draft."

The Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang reported last month that Butler desired a "maximum two-year contract extension worth about $113 million." However, he and Miami have yet to agree to a new deal.

Additionally, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Heat, who own picks No. 15 and 43 in this year's draft, are considered a "possible move-up team."

So, it appears Riley and Co. will wait until at least after the draft before potentially engaging in trade discussions for a star-caliber player.

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