Riley told Heat players he was 'pulling the plug' on potential Butler trade

Miami Heat president Pat Riley apparently wasn't going to stand by while his players' names emerged in the rumor mill regarding a potential Jimmy Butler trade.

Riley told the team's players he was "pulling the plug" on a potential blockbuster deal centered around the Minnesota Timberwolves' star wing, the Heat confirmed to the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman.

Riley reportedly didn't promise his young players that they won't be involved in future negotiations, but said their inclusion in the Butler talks were a matter of due diligence.

The Timberwolves and Heat reportedly came close to completing a deal earlier this month, but the trade fell apart when Minnesota attempted to increase its asking price at the last minute.