Pat Riley dangles Miami perks as Heat wait on LeBron James

Pat Riley is leaving the light on in Miami for LeBron James, and he is not pretending the pitch lacks sunshine, golf or tax benefits.

The Heat president told ESPN that he has been in contact with James’ agent, Rich Paul, while Miami waits with the rest of the NBA to see where the four-time champion chooses to play next. James, described by ESPN as the biggest name on the free-agent market, is coming off his time with the Lakers and would be entering his 24th NBA season.

Riley told ESPN he did not know whether a reunion would happen, but said the talks with Paul had gone well. He also pointed to Miami’s weather, golf and lack of state income tax while making the case for a move back to the area code where James won two championships.

James played for the Heat from 2010 through 2014, teaming with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh during a four-year run that brought NBA titles in 2012 and 2013. Now Miami has another star in the building: Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo told ESPN he has not spoken with James about his plans. Still, he made clear that he would welcome the chance to play alongside him if the situation came together.

The former Milwaukee Bucks star said he would be excited by that possibility, calling James one of the greatest players in basketball history and saying he could learn a great deal from him. Antetokounmpo also told ESPN that James would bring championship experience immediately and said he still sees him as one of the game’s top players, even at 41.

Antetokounmpo pointed to James’ playoff production with the Lakers as evidence that he remains effective. He also said the decision belongs to James and his family, adding that James’ career has shown a pattern of smart choices.

Riley’s Miami sales job comes as other teams circle. ESPN reported that the Golden State Warriors are among the teams pursuing James. Warriors coach Steve Kerr recently became part of the chatter after a fan recorded him near his SUV being asked to go get James. Kerr jokingly responded that Golden State already had him, according to ESPN.

Miami has already made one major summer move. Riley said he celebrated with Andy Elisburg, the Heat’s executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager, when he learned the Antetokounmpo deal was complete.

Riley told ESPN that the current Heat roster makes him happy, while also leaving room for what could come next. On James, he said any move involving the 24-year veteran would have to develop naturally.

For now, Miami’s pitch is out there, Antetokounmpo is publicly interested, and James holds the card everyone is waiting to see.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.