“Back when he was real Mafia boss” – Pat Riley’s WILD list of demands in 1995 REVEALED including $50 million contract, Limo, LA and NYC homes, and more

Pat Riley produced an audacious list of demands when approached by the Miami Heat back in 1995.

“Back when he was real Mafia boss” – Pat Riley’s WILD list of demands in 1995 REVEALED including $50 million contract, Limo, LA and NYC homes, and more

Pat Riley's demands to join the Heat. (Image via Open Source, X)

Miami Heat president Pat Riley has been the most important reason the franchise is regarded as what it is now. Starting his tenure in 1995, he has transformed the Heat from a losing expansion team to one of the best teams in the last two decades. But it all came at a price.

Details from Chris Herring’s book, Blood in the Garden revealed outlandish demands from the then New York Knicks coach. Riley was asked to coach the Heat by owner Micky Arison to take over the team as a Head Coach. However, Riley had specific demands. He wanted a five-year $50 million contract. In contrast, Riley was paid $1.5 million by the Knicks yearly. He also wanted complete control over basketball operations.

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It does not stop there. Riley wanted 10% ownership in the team immediately, and another 10% over the course of his contract. He even wanted a loan to cover the interest payments the ownership would entail. That’s not it. He wanted Arison to purchase Riley’s homes in New York and Los Angeles for him, so he would not have to take that burden.

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Generally, owners would toss such demands out of the window. But Arison agreed. And the rest is history. Riley’s 14-point demand letter would be too much even for today’s owners. However, the 78-year-old has emerged as the single, most important person in the history of the franchise.

Fans cannot believe Pat Riley’s demands from 1995

Three NBA Championships, 7 NBA Finals appearances, and 20 playoff seasons later, it all seems worth it. More importantly, is the way Riley has changed the culture of the team. His efforts to bring in superstars such as Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler have consistently kept the Heat in the championship hunt.

Pat Riley has returned the results for the Miami Heat in all the years he has been there
Pat Riley has produced results for the Miami Heat since being in charge (image via Open Source, X)

However, basketball fans cannot seem to fathom the list of demands Riley made to Arison back in 1995. Check out some of their head-spinning reactions on social media below;

Even the New York Knicks have struggled since Pat Riley left the organization. Hence, there is little doubt that Arison has more than received a good return on his overall investment.

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