Former Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley added his perspective on the alleged cookie incident between former Heat star LeBron James and Heat owner Pat Riley. 

It’s been rumored that in the 2013-14 season, Riley took away James’ privilege of eating cookies and ice cream on the team plane. This was done without warning.

Beasley was a guest on the Club Shay Shay podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe. He revealed details of the story, like how James’ personal chef made those cookies, not the team chefs. He noted what it was like when James was confronted about having the cookies.

“Bruh, that boy stood up. LeBron stood up like Thanos,” Beasley said.  “Where I play cards at, I can see where they bring the cookies from. I can see them scrambling. And LeBron stood up and yelled as far as the back. Everybody heard him. ‘Yo, if anybody do….’ That’s the first time I seen an organization get scared. From that point on, they tiptoed around.”

This story is rumored to be a big reason why James left the Heat after the 2013-14 season. Despite making the NBA finals, he left to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dwyane Wade was asked about this incident on the Underground Lounge podcast hosted by Lou Williams. He believed that the cookie incident was a big reason for James’s leaving.

“And I know this seems small, but when we get on that plane, all the little things matter. You got the s— that gets you through. When I get on this plane, I expect what I want because this is what gets me through,” Wade said. “I got to have my comforts along the way or I ain’t going to be me. Riley took all them comforts away.”

The Miami Heat announced Wednesday that it was suspending forward Jimmy Butler for two games after the disgruntled star missed a team flight. After serving a seven-game suspension earlier this month, Butler only played in three games before returning to the shelf.

“We have suspended Jimmy Butler for two games for continued pattern of disregard of team rules, insubordinate conduct and conduct detrimental to the team, including missing today’s team flight to Milwaukee,” the Heat said in a statement.

Butler and Miami have been at odds all season, as multiple trade rumors and reported locker room issues seem to reflect deeper differences between the two sides. After Butler’s agent Bernie Lee and Heat President Pat Riley both vehemently denied reports of trade talks, Miami suspended Butler for insubordinate behavior and an apparent disinterest in playing.

The star forward’s return was enthusiastic even as he struggled to get back into mid-season form, but Wednesday’s suspension is yet another misstep in the working relationship. Butler reportedly arranged his own travel plans for the Heat’s road trip, something he has done in the past. In this instance, the team has taken a stand and punished him for it.

Based on the existing drama between Butler and Miami’s front office, this second suspension could be enough to sever whatever semblance of a relationship the two sides still have. Butler was almost certainly leaving at the end of the season anyway, but as the 21-21 Heat continue to tumble down the Eastern Conference standings, it could soon be prudent to finally capitulate and trade him away.

Since arriving in Miami in 2019, Butler has led the Heat to the playoffs four times, including two upset NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. Known as a solid player in the regular season, he has developed a reputation for extraordinary play in the postseason, which has lifted otherwise average Heat rosters well beyond expectations. At age 35, there could still be time for another meaningful stint. The chances of that happening in Miami are increasingly unlikely.

Miami Heat president Pat Riley issued a statement Thursday saying that the team does not plan on trading forward Jimmy Butler. Butler has been the subject of numerous trade rumors over the past year, with the most recent report Wednesday stating that he wished to be traded by the NBA’s deadline on Feb. 6.

“We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in a team statement. “Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”

Earlier this month, Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, vehemently denied a report from The Athletic‘s Shams Charania that Butler was intent on being traded to the Phoenix Suns. It is unclear if Lee was denying the trade rumors or the destination in that instance, but in any case, Charania doubled down Wednesday, reporting that Butler wanted out of Miami by the trade deadline. 

Charania did not say that Butler formally requested a trade, but simply reported that he was ready to depart. This time, it was Riley who undermined Charania, stating that the team had no interest in making the move. Though Riley’s update did not address whether Butler wanted a trade, as Charania reported, it does seem to put an end to the idea of the star forward leaving. At this point, it would likely require a formal trade request for Butler to escalate matters further.

The speculation surrounding Butler’s potential departure stems from the Heat’s failure to build around him. After leading the team to a surprise run to the NBA Finals in 2023, Butler and the Heat regressed back to an also-ran last season. The team is similarly stagnant in the 2024-25 season, holding in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 14-13 record.

Butler, a 35-year-old veteran, has stated his desire to win an NBA Championship in his career, and with time running out, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Heat can build the team necessary to win one. Despite all the rumors tied to this motivation, however, Butler has not submitted a formal trade request and the Heat’s front office has now taken a clear stance against moving him. For now, it seems like he will remain in Miami until at least next year.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ search for a new head coach is in full swing, with the franchise conducting its first official interviews. Reports surfaced Tuesday morning that the Lakers have interviewed JJ Redick, Sam Cassell and James Borrego as potential replacements for Darvin Ham. While these candidates were anticipated, one detail caught many off guard.

According to Shams Charania and Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are reportedly “infatuated with Redick’s potential,” viewing him as a Pat Riley-esque figure capable of leading the team in both the short and long term. This comparison to one of the most iconic figures in basketball history is as flattering as it is burdensome.

Many Lakers fans expect that he could become the second-most successful coach in franchise history, akin to Riley, who won seven NBA titles and became a key architect of modern basketball. Riley’s achievements include over 1,000 victories as an NBA head coach, a milestone only nine others have reached.

Comparing Redick to Riley is a definitive leap. While it’s reasonable to believe Redick, who was an NBA player and is now a sports analyst, has potential as a coach, suggesting he could become one of the greatest ever is questioned. This type of comparison sets a nearly impossible bar for Redick to meet and adds pressure to Redick’s future performance.

The Lakers’ head coaching position is inherently demanding, with the team perpetually under the media microscope and high expectations. The backlash could be even more intense, given the urgency to maximize LeBron James’ remaining playing years. By comparing any candidate to Riley, the Lakers set a standard that could overshadow the new coach’s performance.

The Lakers need a coach to navigate the pressures of one of the NBA’s most prestigious franchises and deliver results. Realistic expectations and support are crucial for any new coach, and the Lakers need to provide a base that allows for growth rather than comparison from day one.

Although Miami Heat fans saw all–time great Dwyane Wade hang up his monumental kicks after last season’s conclusion, another similarly familiar piece reportedly plans to instead return once October rolls around, as veteran forward Udonis Haslem just inked a veteran’s $2.6 million minimum one-year deal to play again for the Heat next season.

Since signing as an undrafted free agent, Haslem played through 17 NBA seasons and even helped the only team wise enough to take a chance on the Florida product win NBA titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013. Haslem’s return now places him among just six other players to spend as many seasons with one franchise. Those players include either current Hall of Fame members or others certain to join them once eligible, such as Dirk Nowitzki (21 with DAL), Kobe Bryant (20 with LAL), Tim Duncan (19 with SAS) , John Stockton (19 with UTA) and Reggie Miller (18 with IND).

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Although last year Haslem played just ten games and averaged only 2.5 points, Heat fans remember him as an effective two–way player during his younger playing days, as he averaged 12 points and and 9 rebounds per game en route to his best campaign during the 2007–08 season.

Matching Riley’s excitement with his own, Haslem tweeted out a picture illustrating the Larry O’Brien trophy, confirming his commitment to Miami. Haslem currently leads holds the rebound title belt above all Miami Heat players, and now gets a chance to not only pile up more boards, but also chase the trophy thanks to the team’s impressive additions this summer such as former Philadelphia 76er Jimmy Butler.