The Miami Heat have stayed relatively quiet since the Jimmy Butler for Andrew Wiggins deal went down right before the NBA trade deadline.
While the Golden State Warriors have been vocal on how much they’ll always appreciate Wiggins and how much they enjoy Butler being around, the Heat have offered very few statements on the record.
The Heat’s Tyler Herro, meanwhile, was recently asked about Wiggins wearing No. 22, which was Butler’s old number, and he was pretty straightforward in his answer.
Tyler Herro Thinks the No. 22 Can Be Worn Again
While Wiggins has worn the No. 22 his entire NBA career, many were curious if the Heat would make him get a new number out of respect for Butler’s legacy with the team. But when Wiggins was allowed to keep his No. 22 jersey for the Heat, some wondered if it was disrespectful to Butler.
Herro, however, saw no issue with it while still praising Butler as a Heat legend.
Tyler Herro weighs in on Andrew Wiggins getting to wear 22
“Jimmy is definitely a Heat legend, but I feel with how things transpired over the last couple of months… I think 22 can be worn again”
(Via @sport5il) 🤔 pic.twitter.com/oS6ZKKWyUg
— Heat Culture (@HeatCulture13) February 17, 2025
“Jimmy is definitely a Heat legend, but I feel with how things transpired over the last couple of months… I think 22 can be worn again.”
Wiggins, who is currently averaging 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on 43.8% from the field, hasn’t had a breakout game for the Heat just yet, but he should see an uptick in production after the post-All-Star break adjustments.
Butler, who is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 52.4% from the field, has made a major difference for the Warriors thus far, and his teammates have praised his presence since his arrival.
What Led to the Jimmy Butler-Andrew Wiggins Trade?
When Herro mentions what transpired over the last couple of months, he is referring to the tug-of-war between Butler and Heat president Pat Riley.
Riley previously stated that he had no desire to trade Butler, but as the latter began to execute antics to force his way out of Miami, it was evident this team was headed for a rocky breakup.
Butler was suspended multiple times for antics that were labeled detrimental to the team, including walking out of practice. He would also refuse to play and miss team flights, causing more friction within a team that needed leadership.
Perhaps Butler was just tired of the “Heat Culture” and wanted out, so he sought any means to do it. Right or wrong, Butler is now in Golden State while Wiggins sports the No. 22 in Miami.
It seems as if this story has worked out for all parties involved, at least for now.
