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How Did Andrew Wiggins React to Jimmy Butler Trade?
© John Hefti-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors had quite the NBA trade deadline. In a stretch that included Luka Doncic being sent to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors maintained their reputation for acquiring star talent by headlining a blockbuster multi-team trade with Jimmy Butler as the lead star. After the blockbuster move, an ex-Warriors wing revealed a "new chapter" after getting traded to the Miami Heat. 

Although the Warriors theoretically received the best player in the trade, their head coach, Steve Kerr, claimed they lost the team's "soul" as collateral.

Andrew Wiggins played 307 games for the Warriors, improving his reputation by winning the 2022 NBA Finals and earning his first All-Star selection in the same season.  

However, in gaining an All-Star, such a move takes picks and possibly another premier player in return. The Warriors painstakingly went over their options but ultimately traded Wiggins, among other players, to receive the services of the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

Butler had a notable introductory press conference for the Warriors. Still, as Kerr mentioned after the trade, Wiggins showed his heart for the Heat media in his media debut for the Miami franchise. 

"Once I got the news, it's time for a new chapter. It's hard, but that's the NBA... It's a business. I'm here. I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited. I feel like we can do something special here. We got a nice squad. Great coaching staff. Amazing fans. I'm looking forward to it... They're a winning organization. They do things right. They do it the right way. When you come here, you just gotta be ready to work." 

Wiggins understood what winning gold in 2022 meant for his career and what it rewarded the athletic wing. However, the public's perception of the storied "Heat Culture" takes a different approach. 

During Wiggins' tenure in Golden State, he experienced controversy, mainly due to Draymond Green's questionable behavior. Despite such costly conduct, Golden State endured the effects of Green's multiple suspensions and team-detrimental action of punching Jordan Poole in the face.

Conversely, Miami traded Butler the same season he disrupted its organization. 

Wiggins' new chapter with the Heat suggests a different environment. Although both teams have a rich history of winning, their conduct behind closed doors is contrasting. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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