13 hours ago
Why Franz should actually be a Warrior
Five years later, more explosive than ever: Kerr probably wanted Wagner instead of Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga demands his trade and with perfect timing, an old draft story comes back to the surface: Allegedly Steve Kerr would have preferred to bring Franz Wagner to Golden State in 2021. Five years later, this decision sheds new light on the Warriors’ current situation.
With Jonathan Kuminga’s official trade request, the Golden State Warriors are under pressure again. In the midst of the tense situation, a report from… The Athletic for additional explosiveness: Head coach Steve Kerr apparently preferred Franz Wagner over Kuminga in the 2021 draft. “Team sources confirmed that some in the organization, including Kerr, wanted Franz Wagner.”
At that point, the German forward had already been selected in eighth place by the Orlando Magic. Golden State then drafted Kuminga at seven.
The decision for Kuminga
The Warriors consciously chose Jonathan Kuminga at the time to give the squad more athleticism and long-term star potential. Kuminga was seen as a central element of a possible post-Curry future, along with James Wiseman.
Five years later, this bet seems at least ambivalent. Kuminga hardly played a role in the 2025/26 season, was only used in 18 of the first 44 games and recently disappeared completely from the rotation. His trade request came immediately after his trade restriction expired.
Franz Wagner’s development intensifies the comparison
While Kuminga has stagnated in Golden State, Franz Wagner has developed into a reliable two-way player in Orlando. The German world and European champion impresses with his athleticism, understanding of the game, decision-making and defensive variability. So exactly with the qualities that are traditionally required in the Warriors system.
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