Miami Heat president Pat Riley addressed the media on Monday following the team's early exit from the NBA playoffs. The Heat, finishing as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, were eliminated in a five-game series against the Boston Celtics. While Riley expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, his attention turned to star player Jimmy Butler and his recent comments.

Butler caused a stir over the weekend when he suggested that the Heat would have defeated the Celtics had he been available to play. Riley did not mince words when asked about Butler's remarks, stating, "If you're not on the court playing against Boston or on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut and your criticism of those teams."

However, Riley's stern rebuke may have been more than just a response to Butler's comments. During the press conference, he alluded to the issue of player availability and its impact on the team's culture and performances. He emphasized that evaluating this aspect would be necessary after another first-round elimination.

When asked about the possibility of trading Butler, Riley simply responded with a firm "No." Despite rumors of a contract extension, with Butler reportedly seeking a two-year, $113 million deal, the Heat president made it clear that he expects his star player to prioritize staying healthy and playing more games. Butler, who turned 32 in September, played in 60 games this season and has averaged 58 games during his five-year tenure with the Heat.

Riley acknowledged Butler's importance to the team, describing him as an "incredible player" who moves the needle the most. While addressing the need for change, Riley emphasized that Butler should consider what the team truly wants to achieve.

The Heat's payroll also emerged as a significant concern, with the team currently $10 million over the luxury tax threshold. Riley disclosed that addressing both offensive and defensive strategies would be a priority for head coach Erik Spolestra during the offseason.

As the dust settles on another disappointing playoff run, the Heat's president is focused on strengthening the team's culture, addressing player availability concerns, and ensuring that Butler plays a more significant role in the coming seasons. With no plans to trade their star player, Riley hopes to find a way to make it work and bring the Heat back to championship contention before Butler's contract expires in 2025.

The Heat organization will now regroup and begin preparations for a crucial offseason that may shape their future trajectory in the NBA.