Miami Heat ‘Did the Right Thing’ to Move on from Jimmy Butler, Says Mychal Thompson — Pat Riley and Jerry West’s Influence Highlighted
The Miami Heat’s decision to part ways with star forward Jimmy Butler has sparked intense debate across the NBA community. But according to NBA legend Mychal Thompson, the Heat “did the right thing” by choosing a new direction. Thompson, who has a wealth of experience as a player and analyst, believes the decision aligns with the philosophies of two of the greatest team builders in basketball history — Pat Riley and Jerry West.
Thompson, speaking on a popular sports talk show, explained that while Butler was the heart and soul of the Heat during his time in Miami, every successful franchise knows when to pivot. “Pat Riley and Jerry West are two of the smartest executives in basketball history,” Thompson stated. “They understand that you can’t fall in love with players to the point where you sacrifice your franchise’s future. The Heat did the right thing because they’re focused on sustainability and long-term success.”
Butler’s tenure with the Heat was marked by incredible highs, including a memorable run to the NBA Finals in 2020. His relentless work ethic and leadership made him a fan favorite, and he carried the team during multiple playoff battles. However, age, injuries, and the need for roster flexibility likely played a role in the Heat’s decision to move on.
Thompson pointed out that Riley’s history with the Lakers, where he saw Jerry West make difficult decisions for the sake of the team’s long-term success, has always influenced his approach with Miami. “Riley learned from West — it’s about the franchise, not the player. That’s how you stay competitive,” Thompson noted.
The Heat are now focused on a new chapter, with young stars like Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo set to take on bigger roles. Whether the decision to move on from Butler leads to a brighter future remains to be seen, but for Mychal Thompson, the Heat are following a proven blueprint.
