Steve Kerr reportedly preferred drafting Franz Wagner over Jonathan Kuminga, who was picked seventh in 2021 by the Warriors and has now requested a trade, while Wagner has emerged as a star in Orlando.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reportedly wanted to draft Franz Wagner over Jonathan Kuminga, according to The Athletic.
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"Team sources confirmed that some in the organization, including Kerr, wanted Franz Wagner, but the German big man would go eighth to Orlando in the end," the report stated.
"In a push to inject the Warriors' roster with much-needed athleticism and potential starpower, Kuminga was drafted as part of the foundation of the post-Curry era along with Wiseman."
Kuminga went 7th overall pick in the 2021 draft, while Wagner was picked at 8th.
Now, 23-year-old Kuminga has requested a trade on the first day he became eligible (Jan. 15).
The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly exploring potential deals as part of their rebuilds, while the Los Angeles Lakers are also in the mix.
This season, Kuminga is averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in roughly 24 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Franz Wagner has emerged as a franchise cornerstone for the Orlando Magic, averaging 22.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
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