Steve Kerr wanted Franz Wagner over Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 Draft

As Jonathan Kuminga has officially requested a trade from the Golden State Warriors, a revelation from the past resurfaces and sheds new light on the current tensions. According to several journalists from The Athletic, Steve Kerr was among the staff members who preferred another prospect during the 2021 NBA Draft.

A choice debated internally on draft night

According to Marcus Thompson II, Sam Amick and Nick Friedell, Steve Kerr had placed Franz Wagner at the top of his wish list during the decision-making process. This information confirms a previous report by Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN, published in September, which already mentioned internal support for the German forward within the organization.

PLAYER PROFILE

Franz WAGNER

Position(s): Forward

Height: 208 cm

Age: 24 years (27/08/2001)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

22.5

#27

REB

6.3

#63

AST

3.6

#83

Despite the coach’s preferences, the final decision was driven by owner Joe Lacob, described as « a driving force » behind the selection of Jonathan Kuminga with the 7th pick of the 2021 Draft.

Two trajectories that have strongly diverged

Five seasons later, the comparison between the two players has become inevitable. Franz Wagner has established himself as a major piece of the Orlando Magic project, averaging 19.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3 assists. He has also been a key player in the Magic’s playoff runs in 2024 and 2025, before signing a five-year contract worth over $224 million.

Conversely, Jonathan Kuminga struggles to establish himself permanently in the Warriors rotation. Five seasons after his arrival in the NBA, he has not experienced the expected development and has gradually found himself lower in Steve Kerr’s hierarchy, to the point of requesting a trade.

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However, the difference in trajectory is not explained solely by individual talent. Orlando was engaged in an acknowledged rebuild, offering Wagner substantial playing time and the opportunity to develop. Golden State operated in the opposite logic, with a deep roster focused on the immediate pursuit of a title. Kuminga played only 16.9 minutes per game during the 2022 championship season, with an even more reduced role in the playoffs.

This divergence in trajectories now gives particular significance to the internal debates of the 2021 Draft and the current tensions between Kuminga and the Warriors organization.

Bleacher Report’s 2021 NBA re-draft:

1. Pistons: Evan Mobley
2. Rockets: Cade Cunningham
3. Cavs: Alperen Sengun
4. Raptors: Scottie Barnes
5. Magic: Franz Wagner
6. OKC: Austin Reaves
7. Warriors: Jalen Johnson
8. Magic: Trey Murphy III
9. Kings: Jalen Suggs
10. Grizzlies: Josh… pic.twitter.com/ab9pniHJYr

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 7, 2025