Heat Wants To Hire Riley, But Knicks Getting In Way

The Miami Heat’s interest in former New York Knicks coach Pat Riley has gotten well past the infatuation stage, and the result appears to be a scenario that will have Executive Vice President Dave Wohl doubling as coach until Riley is available.

Managing Partner Micky Arison addressed the Riley issue for the first time Wednesday night, in the hours before the NBA draft. Arison said the Heat has prepared a significant package for Riley and expressed mild irritation over the Knicks’ blocking of preliminary discussions between the Heat and Riley.

Arison also said he would not be opposed to Wohl coaching the Heat until Riley could be secured.

According to a source close to the Heat’s pursuit of Riley, the Heat already has made Riley aware of the magnitude of its potential offer. The inducement is said to be well in excess of $20 million.

“We can put together a pretty good package,” Arison said. “If he is the best candidate possible, and I believe he is, we will do what we have to do.”

Asked if the offer includes an ownership stake, Arison said, “That’s as specific as I’ll get.”

With Riley still under contract to New York for the upcoming season, the Knicks have refused to grant permission to other teams to negotiate with Riley.

That is the part that perplexes Arison.

‘If they don’t let him talk to anybody at some point, if they want compensation, they will have to let him talk to teams,” Arison said. “That’s something I’m having a tough time dealing with.

“Their position doesn’t seem to make sense.”