Pat Riley has formally denied a report that indicated he cursed out Tom Thibodeau at the end of their trade negotiations over Jimmy Butler.
"As to what has been reported in the past 24 hours, I have too much respect for Tom Thibodeau and all that he’s accomplished in this league," Riley said of the Timberwolves coach and team president. "Our conversations have been nothing but cordial and I have never used that kind of language in negotiations, but I do admit to telling Danny Ainge to..."
Multiple reports indicated the Heat nearly acquired Butler from the Wolves last week.
The Heat, according to a source familiar with the dealings, "are not trying to re-engage" in Butler the talks.