“Andrew Wiggins just had a baby boy…” Steve Kerr heart-broken over $100 million player leaving Warriors
The Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr had an emotional message for Andrew Wiggins after the player was traded for Jimmy Butler.
![“Andrew Wiggins just had a baby boy…” Steve Kerr heart-broken over $100 million player leaving Warriors](https://media.firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/06064122/Steve-Kerr-Andrew-Wiggins.jpg)
Steve Kerr had praise for Andrew Wiggins after his trade
Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors finally made a trade before the deadline but it cost them Andrew Wiggins. The organization got Stephen Curry the superstar Jimmy Butler in exchange for their ‘Maple Jordan’. It’s a bittersweet deal for the team considering the excitement of Butler’s addition but farewell to Wiggs. The team’s head coach is also one of them as Kerr seemed heartbroken after the trade.
During the Warriors pregame on Wednesday, reports revealed that the players were abruptly called into the locker room. Following a conversation, Steve Kerr had his head down while heading out. Some time later the news of the trade came. Kerr seemingly was processing Andrew Wiggins‘ departure. In the post-game press conference, the HC made an emotional statement about the player.
Just had a baby boy last week. Girls in school. Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a beautiful soul. Just a wonderful human being. We don’t hang that banner in ‘22 without him.
Steve Kerr said
Kerr admitted he would miss the player and the joy and happiness he brought to the team. Wiggs was an essential part of the Warriors 2022 championship banner. Along with his incredible scoring abilities, the Canadian player locked up many stars with elite defense during the title run. Even this season, the 29-year-old was the most reliable player despite the poor season. The fans and members of the team would certainly feel his absence.
Steve Kerr on Andrew Wiggins: “Just had a baby boy last week. Girls in school. Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a wonderful soul. We don’t hang that banner in ‘22 without him…I’m gonna miss him.” pic.twitter.com/jR28a2SPQd
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2025
During his time with the Warriors, Wiggins averaged 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. The star surely had a few bumps in the road including long absences for personal reasons. However, the organization supported Wiggins due to his impacting contribution exactly when needed. The forward stepped up in the past few games as Curry was struggling from the field. His exit might have a big impact on the Warriors.
Steve Kerr wants the NBA to extend the trade deadline until All-Star event
As soon as February started numerous NBA teams started making big decisions about their players. It has been a hectic week in the league considering the trade deadline. New announcements have been made even during games. Many players found out about their teammates’ trade in the middle of playing. The Miami Heat’s bench learned about Butler’s trade from a fan sitting behind them.
The Warriors were also informed minutes before the Utah Jazz matchup. As the players were gearing up for a competition, the sudden news would have raised some issues. Considering, Wiggins was with the team for six years, the abrupt end would have been difficult. Bearing in mind all this, Kerr made a plea to the league to extend the trade deadline. “I think the league should consider making the trade deadline at the All-Star break. Just so you don’t have to face these games where guys are getting traded half an hour before,” Steve Kerr said.
"These are tough days for sure."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 6, 2025
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr weighs in on the challenges of the NBA trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/QIglHi6dBT
During the All-Star break, the nonparticipating players get around a week off. This season, there is a ten-day gap between the deadline and the All-Star weekend. According to Kerr, the time would allow the players to process the trade. A transition from one city and team to another is certainly not an easy task. The HC’s idea might benefit the players as well as the organizations.
Satvika Deshpande
(438 Articles Published)