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[Saba Sports News] Jimmy Butler seemingly sent a pointed message to the Miami Heat on Friday as tensions between him and the team remain unresolved.
During a visit to his Bigface coffee shop in Miami, Butler shared a video on Instagram that many interpreted as a subtle dig at the Heat. In the clip, Butler praised an employee while making a comment that seemed to address his frustrations.
“See that? I gave you a compliment. That’s what bosses do. They build you up, they don’t break you down,” Butler said, giving a thumbs-up to the camera.
While the remark might appear harmless on the surface, it’s difficult not to view it in the context of Butler’s strained relationship with Heat president Pat Riley. Riley publicly criticized Butler at the end of last season, fueling rumors of a rocky dynamic between the two.
Last week, Butler publicly demanded a trade, a move that reportedly led Riley to impose disciplinary action.
Under normal circumstances, Butler’s comment might have gone unnoticed. However, given the current turmoil, many are interpreting it as a direct jab at Riley and the Heat organization.