The loss of Andrew Wiggins undoubtedly stung the Golden State Warriors in their decision to move the 2022 NBA champion in a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler last February.
Now there's going to be another reminder and an even bigger sting in two months when Wiggins lines up alongside Klay Thompson, his former Warrior championship teammate, as members of the Miami Heat.
Klay Thompson move makes Jimmy Butler trade sting even more
This is not to say the Butler trade was a bad one. Even accounting for the torn ACL Butler suffered against his former team in January, Golden State would still do that deal again if given the opportunity.
But at the same time, the Butler trade has set in motion the moves that will now see Wiggins and Thompson reunite as teammates at the Heat. Miami didn't want to give Butler a max extension, and while there were roster moves and a full season in the meantime, that salary spot now sits with Giannis Antetokounmpo as Miami beat Golden State and other suitors in the race for the two-time MVP.
Antetokounmpo's move to the Heat would have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Thompson's decision to join the Heat on Friday, having secured a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks after weeks of speculation.
If not for Antetokounmpo's presence lifting Miami into genuine contention, Thompson may have been more open to a reunion with the Warriors, or a move to the Los Angeles Lakers where he has obvious connections with his father and after playing with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Warriors will be frustrated watching Heat this season
You can't help but feel that Joe Lacob, Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Warrior front office will be a little frustrated watching the Heat this season. They firstly have to watch Antetokounmpo play for a new team after they chased him for years, having not even been an option in the weeks before the former Milwaukee Bucks superstar was ultimately dealt.
Now they also have to contend with the idea of Thompson and Wiggins not only playing together in a different uniform, but playing alongside Antetokounmpo which should make for an excellent fit. Thompson brings the elite 3-point shooting the Heat desperately needed after the Antetokounmpo trade, while Wiggins should thrive even more with his 3-and-D skillset.
To make matters worse, the Warriors likely won't get Butler back from injury until January at the earliest. Again, this is not to say they'd regret the trade, but it certainly will sting a little more as a result of Thompson's move.
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