Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

“I’m gonna miss him” – Steve Kerr reveals heartache over Andrew Wiggins trade to Miami Heat

Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr was visibly emotional over Andrew Wiggins trade, and called for NBA policy change.

Image Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Following Andrew Wiggins’ departure to Miami as part of the trade that brought Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, the Canadian forward seems to have left a significant void in the Bay Area, judging by Steve Kerr’s remarks on Wednesday.

Asked about Wiggins’ exit, Kerr, who won a gold medal with Team USA in Paris this summer, spoke somberly and with deep appreciation for his former player. “He’s one of my favorite players that I’ve coached,” Kerr said. “He has a beautiful soul, and he’s an incredible human being.”

Reflecting on Wiggins’ impact on the court, Kerr continued, “Without him, we don’t win the 2022 title. Everything he brought every day, his smile, his joy, his laughter…” His voice grew heavy as he concluded, “He’s a great person. I’m going to miss him.”

Kerr also took a moment to acknowledge the other Warriors players who were involved in the trade. He praised Kyle Anderson for his work ethic, calling him “the ultimate professional,” before addressing Dennis Schröder’s brief stint with Golden State.

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

Schröder, who joined the Warriors from Brooklyn in mid-December and won the 2023 World Cup with Germany, didn’t last long with the team. Kerr seemed visibly uncomfortable when reflecting on Schröder’s situation, particularly after the Warriors’ loss to the Jazz on Wednesday. “We brought in Dennis Schröder thinking he’d be here for a while… He moved his family, his kids… They had just settled into their new house last week. It was a pleasure to coach him. He’s a wonderful young man.”

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Kerr concluded, acknowledging the harsh realities of the NBA business: “It’s tough. But it’s the business, and we all know that.”

Andrew Wiggins

Golden State Warriors

Steve Kerr

The Playoffs News Team