Back in 2014, when LeBron James originally left the Miami Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Pat Riley was obviously - and understandably - upset with the decision. However, in the 12 years since, Riley says all that animosity has now thawed between him and LeBron.
"It's just thawed. I've seen him at championship fights/ASG/ we had a great embrace when they honored me with a statue... LeBron & I, we haven't talked much, but you let go of that stuff."
Noting how they've been warmer in their interactions of late, Riley has clearly left the door wide open for a potential LeBron reunion in Miami. As LeBron continues to mull over his free-agency decision, the Heat, according to recent reporting, are one potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer.
Even though a decision is expected any minute, no one really knows where or how LeBron is leaning. However, if LeBron doesn't end up choosing the Heat, it won't be because of a broken relationship with Riley.
On the contrary, the fact that LeBron would even consider the Heat further proves how the relationship between Riley and himself has improved over the years.
LeBron could help complete a near perfect offseason for the Heat
Despite the idea that Riley is open to a reunion, nothing is a certainty at this point. But make no mistake: if LeBron were to choose to sign with the Heat, it would absolutely change their expectations heading into this next season.
In many ways, a late-summer addition of LeBron would help complete a near-perfect offseason for the Heat. If Miami would exit the summer with both Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron, I'm not really sure how they could've had an even better last few months.
Objectively, the Heat are already big winners of the offseason with just the addition of Giannis. LeBron would be an extremely sweet icing on the cake. And, in theory, one move that would move the Heat from an intriguing potential dark horse team in the Eastern Conference to a possible favorite.
Despite all the feel-good that surrounds the Giannis acquisition in Miami, there are still big questions about what the rest of the roster will ultimately look like. But if they were to add LeBron, it would certainly quell much of the doubt surrounding this team.
LeBron wouldn't answer all of their current roster concerns, but let's just say that he'd certainly make life a lot easier for Giannis during his first year in Miami.
And based on his most recent comments, Riley has done everything in his power to leave that possibility open. Whether LeBron will walk through that door again remains to be seen, but it does appear as if there's at least a chance it does end up happening.
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