SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Andrew Wiggins, with that infectious smile that left a lasting mark on Warriors teammates, coaches and fans, stood near the Golden State bench long before tipoff waiting for a moment to catch up with old pal Stephen Curry.
Curry took a quick break from his routine and they chatted and hugged before each got back to work. Wiggins returned to Chase Center with the Miami Heat on Monday night just shy of a year since the Warriors traded him to acquire Jimmy Butler.
“He's the best,” Curry said before heading out for his pregame warmup.
Wiggins received a warm ovation during pregame introductions, waving, clapping and putting his hand to his heart. A video tribute played on the big screen.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr knew it would stir up emotions to see Wiggins again, given how much he meant to the franchise in 5 1/2 seasons that included his contributions to the team's 2022 title.
“Wiggs is just such a great human being and beloved in our locker room. Had so much success here and helped us turn things around from that two-year stretch when we didn’t make the playoffs,” Kerr said. “He was just a joy to coach every single day. When you get a guy like that on your team and you go through a lot together, both on and off the court, then you make a trade, it’s just like that. It’s just crazy, this league, how this business operates. You have to just deal with it but it is sad when your relationships like that are all of a sudden — I mean you still have a relationship but you don’t see each other.”
Also Monday, Butler returned to play against his former team after sitting out Saturday's 136-116 win over Charlotte for personal reasons.
Wiggins is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his first full season with Miami.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra could appreciate how meaningful Wiggins' return was for both sides.
“We know it’s important to him, he had some great moments here, particularly during that championship run,” Spoelstra said. “And he’ll be received great, as he should, here in this building. We’re just grateful that we have him. He’s been doing so much for us on both ends of the court. I think as a complete game and all the responsibilities, you can make a case that this is the best that he’s played in his career, because of all those responsibilities he has for us.”
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
What the Constitution Means to Me Read moreWhat The Constitution Means To Me
You're invited to our Sale Like a Celebrity event, hosted by Expedia Cruises. Join us at Rou… Read moreCelebrity Cruises Special Event
Join us for community fun! Free antique and collectible appraisals by Clars Auction. Over 30… Read moreMillbrae Senior Showcase
Kick off 2026 with movement, confidence, and FUN! Join us for our Last Chance to Dance Studi… Read moreLast Chance to Dance Open House- Free Dance Demos, Food, Face Painting & More!
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.