The Golden State Warriors might have moved on from Andrew Wiggins, however the love and respect for him stay unchanged. After the much-anticipated Warriors vs. Miami Warmth conflict, Wiggins reunited along with his former teammates for the primary time because the controversial commerce that despatched Jimmy Butler III to Golden State.
It was a touching second that Wiggins and Warriors followers will cherish for a very long time.
Andrew Wiggins Meets His Former Teammates
Wiggins’ departure from the Warriors was a part of a blockbuster commerce that despatched Jimmy Butler III to Golden State. In trade, the Warriors dealt Wiggins, Kyle Anderson and a top-10 protected first-round decide to the Warmth.
The transfer sparked blended reactions, given Wiggins’ reputation amongst Warriors followers and his essential function within the crew’s success. On March 25, he confronted his former crew for the primary time. Whereas the battle on the courtroom was intense, postgame feelings took over.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced have been seen cheerfully chatting with Wiggins earlier than embracing him in a good hug.
Steph and Draymond present Wiggs some love postgame 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/5ZM7zyi6FG
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 26, 2025
Different Warriors gamers quickly joined in, exchanging handshakes and hugs, making for a heartwarming scene.
Andrew Wiggins along with his previous teammates 🙌 pic.twitter.com/lrVPrK33IW
— NBA (@NBA) March 26, 2025
Earlier than the matchup, Wiggins mirrored on his time in Golden State. Talking to NBC Sports activities Bay Space, he expressed his appreciation for the group:
“I had a good time there. I like and recognize all people. Nice followers. My teammates have been nice, the teaching workers was nice. The town, assembly new folks and constructing new relationships. I had a good time. Nice time. Nice time with the group.”
Even Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had excessive reward for Wiggins forward of their reunion:
“We will’t wait to see him (Wiggins) tomorrow, and hopefully he doesn’t give us 42 (factors), however I root for that man and I’ll for the remainder of his profession. All people loves Wiggs. Simply an unimaginable human being, and we miss him round right here.”
Regardless of the emotional reunion, Wiggins had a quiet night time on the courtroom, ending with 10 factors, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Andrew Wiggins Leaves Lasting Legacy In Golden State
The Warriors-Warmth commerce marked the tip of an period for Wiggins in Golden State—one which started in February 2020, when he was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in trade for D’Angelo Russell. At first, many doubted whether or not Wiggins may thrive alongside Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Inexperienced, however he proved his critics flawed in 2022.
That yr, Wiggins earned his first All-Star choice and performed a pivotal function within the Warriors’ NBA championship run. In Sport 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals in opposition to the Boston Celtics, he delivered a dominant efficiency, grabbing a career-high 16 rebounds and scoring 17 factors to safe a must-win victory.
In Sport 5, he elevated his sport additional, ending with 26 factors and 13 rebounds in an announcement efficiency. His efforts helped the Warriors clinch their fourth championship in eight years, solidifying his legacy in Golden State. Over 307 video games with the franchise, Wiggins averaged 16.7 factors, 4.7 rebounds, and a couple of.2 assists, per StatMuse.
Although he now wears a distinct jersey, Wiggins’ bond with the Warriors stays robust. And as seen in Miami, his former teammates nonetheless maintain him within the highest regard.