Steve Kerr's Emotional Andrew Wiggins Statement After Warriors Trade

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr makes emotional statement on Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins after trade

Mar 8, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (22) looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are set for a marquee matchup on Tuesday night when they face the Miami Heat in Jimmy Butler's much-anticipated return to Miami. After the former All-Star led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, Butler and the Heat didn't see eye to eye after a failed contract negotiation that resulted in his trade to Golden State.

However, Butler was only one part of the trade, as the Heat received forward Andrew Wiggins in return. A crucial member of the Warriors during their 2022 NBA Finals run, head coach Steve Kerr delivered an emotional statement on Wiggins in the lead-up to Tuesday's contest.

“We can’t wait to see him (Wiggins) tomorrow and hopefully he doesn’t give us 42 (points) but I root for that guy and I will for the rest of his career… Everybody loves Wiggs. Just an incredible human being and we miss him around here.”

Steve Kerr on seeing Andrew Wiggins… pic.twitter.com/MXh0UvY4ZH

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 24, 2025

“We can’t wait to see him (Wiggins) tomorrow and hopefully he doesn’t give us 42 (points) but I root for that guy and I will for the rest of his career…," Kerr told Willard & Dibs. "Everybody loves Wiggs. Just an incredible human being and we miss him around here.”

Wiggins joined the Warriors via trade during the 2019-20 season, coming from Minnesota alongside a first-round pick for D'Angelo Russell. The pick went on to become forward Jonathan Kuminga, while Wiggins went on to revive his career in Golden State. During the 2021-22 season, Wiggins was named an All-Star starter and capped it off with an NBA Finals victory.

Jan 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dunks the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Even though the Heat have been poor since Wiggins' arrival, his play can't be overlooked. Since the deal he's appeared in 13 games, averaging 21.0 points and shooting a career-best 48.0% from the field.

Tip-off at Kaseya Center in Miami is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.

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