"Pat Riley doesn't care" - 4X All-Star bluntly criticizes Heat president's handling of star players amid Jimmy Butler saga

Amid their ongoing riff with Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat have become the most talked about teams in the NBA. As this saga continues, one former All-Star gave his thoughts on how the organization is handling things.

The disconnect with Butler dates back to the offseason when Pat Riley made some choice comments about the star forward in his end-of-year press conference. It has now evolved into a public back-and-forth that's led to a trade request and Butler being suspended by the team.

While on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back" on Monday, DeMarcus Cousins was asked his thoughts on the Heat's current situation. He feels the issue stems from Pat Riley and his stance when it comes to star players.

"They don't take care of their superstars," Cousins said. "It's proof in the pudding that Pat Riley doesn't care. It's his way or no way."

Cousins named all the recent stars that have come and gone through Miami in the past two decades. Among those mentioned included Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. Butler is now the latest star player who could have an ugly exit from the franchise.

With exactly a month until the trade deadline, the clock is ticking for Miami's front office to make a final decision on what to do with Butler.

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DeMarcus Cousins feels Jimmy Butler has been underappreciated by the Miami Heat

While continuing on the topic of the Miami Heat, DeMarcus Cousins made it clear what side of the feud he is on. He feels Jimmy Butler has every right to be upset with how the organization is treating him.

Aside from Pat Riley's comments last season, another thing that has led to Butler wanting out is not getting a contract extension. Given the limited talent around him, Cousins feels the franchise has underappreciated him for all he's been able to accomplish.

"This is a situation where Jimmy feels underappreciated, and I can see why," Cousins said. "Outside of Bam, Jimmy and Herro, it's a limited roster. Jimmy has overachieved time and time again.

I can understand Jimmy's frustration. He feels undervalued and unappreciated."

Over the past five years, Butler has gone above and beyond to get the Heat in a position to contend. He first led them to the finals in 2020, where they lost to the LA Lakers in the bubble. Three years later, Butler rallied Miami to the finals again despite being the eighth seed in the postseason. That said, they'd end up coming just short yet again against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

Despite what he's been able to do for the franchise, all signs point towards it being an ugly break-up for both sides.