Victor Oladipo knows the Miami Heat are always perceived as major players every time the NBA trade deadline comes around, especially with the legendary Pat Riley running the show in the front office.
That sentiment proved to be right once more, as the Heat were once again one of the biggest winners on Thursday following that robbery that Riley just pulled off to acquire Victor Oladipo from the Houston Rockets.
Speaking with the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang a few hours after the deadline, Riley seemingly let out a warning shot from the Heat to the rest of the league following their latest high-profile acquisition.
Pat Riley asked about the Heat's place in the East: "I'd watch out for us."
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) March 26, 2021
Now that just speaks to what a true OG Pat Riley really is with the Heat. The 76-year-old executive still commands respect around the league and looks like his influence is even stronger than ever. Riley is like a masterful puppeteer pulling the strings each time to make the Heat the best team it can possibly be.
Miami was reportedly in the thick of the Kyle Lowry situation with the Raptors. But once Riley realized those talks are going nowhere, the Heat moved on to Oladipo and acquired him for almost next to nothing. The two-time NBA champion executive was adamant not to put valuable pieces like Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson in the deal for Dipo.
Riley, like he always has, got his wish and gave up Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, and a draft swap for the two-way star to join the Heat.
On the court, the Heat have shrugged off their ugly start to the season and returned to their formidable selves as of late. Adding an All-Star of Oladipo's caliber for peanuts only strengthens their bid to emerge out of the East for the second season in a row.
Riley's right, the rest of the East better watch out for the Heat.
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