Warriors Owner Reportedly Pushed For Jonathan Kuminga’s Selection In Draft Ahead Of Franz Wagner

Recent reports have revealed that Warriors owner Joe Lacob was the "driving force" behind the selection of Jonathan Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft.

4 Min Read

© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors‘ summer has primarily been spent in contract negotiations with their 22-year-old forward, Jonathan Kuminga. Although Kuminga has expressed his desire to leave the team, the Warriors’ organization has appeared adamant in retaining him, and the ownership may be the reason for it.

A recent report by ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that Warriors owner Joe Lacob has been in favor of bringing Kuminga over to the Warriors for a long time. He wrote:

“Lacob has been a central figure in Kuminga’s NBA career since the beginning. Bob Myers was the team president and Dunleavy assistant general manager when they drafted Kuminga in 2021. They gave the collective green light, but Lacob was a driving force in the selection when others, including a few on the coaching staff, voiced a Franz Wagner preference, sources said.”

Charania noted the support the Warriors forward has received from Lacob, something that has largely been criticized by the fan base this offseason

Lacob’s influence resulted in Kuminga being selected with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner was selected one pick later by the Orlando Magic

Given the trajectory of their careers, it is evident that Wagner has had more of an impact on his team. But this could also be attributed to being given a more significant role to play in the rotation, something the Warriors forward has had some trouble with.

Regardless, the ownership’s desire to retain Kuminga this summer has created many challenges with regard to roster building. On this note, after a period of silence, the Dubs have shown renewed efforts to bring the forward back, offering him a three-year, $75.2 million deal.

The first two years of the contract are reportedly guaranteed, similar to Josh Giddey’s extension with the Chicago Bulls. But with a team option in the third year, Kuminga may remain hesitant to accept it.


Kerr’s Offseason Comments Impacted Negotiations

It has been made evident that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr does not value Kuminga as highly as Joe Lacob does. In this regard, reports have also suggested that negotiations between the Warriors and Kuminga’s camp have been impacted by Kerr’s comments regarding the forward this offseason.

The Warriors’ head coach was clear about his perception of Kuminga’s role in the rotation. With the arrival of Jimmy Butler ahead of the deadline last season, the 22-year-old promptly found himself falling out of the rotation, primarily because of how he fit next to the Warriors’ veteran stars.

The forward’s limited floor spacing and perimeter defending ability have been cited as a reason for his reduced role. While justified, the impact it has had on Kuminga and, therefore, the contract negotiations this offseason has been largely detrimental.

As things stand, the Warriors’ wish to hold on to Kuminga has been reflected in their refusal of significant trade offers from the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings. However, given Kuminga’s desire for a player option in the final year of his contract, the forward may still be leaning toward signing the qualifying offer.

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

Share This Article
Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *