Emotional Steve Kerr makes his feelings clear after Warriors trade $109,000,002 star for Jimmy Butler: "Just had a baby boy last week"

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shared his thoughts on the blockbuster five-team trade that brought Jimmy Butler to the Bay Area on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters after the Warriors' narrow 131-128 loss to the Utah Jazz, Kerr appeared deeply emotional about the franchise’s decision to trade Andrew Wiggins as part of the deal.

Kerr spoke candidly about Wiggins, who inked a four-year, $109-million contract with the Warriors in 2023. He emphasized his close bond with Wiggins and his family while acknowledging the forward’s invaluable contribution to the team’s 2022 championship run. Kerr made it clear that without Wiggins, Steph Curry and the Warriors wouldn’t have secured that title.

"Just had a baby boy last week. Girls in school," Kerr said. "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."

Apart from Wiggins, the Warriors also parted ways with Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and Lindy Waters III.

Andrew Wiggins' stint with Golden State Warriors

Andrew Wiggins joined the Golden State Warriors in 2020 and since then, he delivered countless memorable moments for fans. However, his most defining contribution came during the 2022 NBA Finals, where he played a pivotal role in securing the championship.

Wiggins' best season with the Warriors came in his first full year with the team in 2020-21, when he averaged 18.6 points and 4.9 rebounds across 71 games. This season, he continued to be a key contributor, emerging as a bright spot in what has been an up-and-down campaign for Golden State.

Through 43 games, Wiggins averaged 17.6 points on 44.4% shooting from the field, including an impressive 37.9% from beyond the arc. He also contributed 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, proving his value on both ends of the floor.

From the Warriors’ perspective, the front office had to make a bold move to maximize the remaining prime years of Steph Curry. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler undoubtedly strengthens the roster, but losing Wiggins is a significant departure that comes with its own cost.