The Golden State Warriors have refused to include Brandin Podziemski in trade talks since the combo guard joined the team in 2023. Two years ago, The Athletic reported that the Dubs ended their pursuit of Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen when Utah asked for Podziemski’s inclusion in the package for Markkanen.
Keeping Podziemski in the Bay Area for at least a few more years could be costly for the Warriors, according to NBA insider Tim Kawakami. He reported on Monday:
“I don’t know if Podziemski’s worth more than the three-year, $39 million that Moody got in October 2024, but I’m positive he will want more. I am also relatively sure that the Warriors won’t want to pay Podziemski anything near the $123 million they paid Jordan Poole in October 2022.”
Moody has been a key two-way player for the Warriors. In 2024, he received a rookie-scale extension worth $37.5 million for three years, according to Spotrac. Tim Kawakami predicts that Brandin Podziemski, arguably the more reliable and well-rounded player, will ask for more.
Moody averaged 8.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game when the Warriors extended his stay with the team. This season, Podziemski is averaging a career-high 13.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.1 spg.
Without Steph Curry, Podziemski’s value and production have become more pronounced. With Curry out, the 19th pick of the 2023 draft is averaging 14.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 4.1 apg. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has relied more on him as a scorer and playmaker while Curry works his way back from a knee issue.
The Warriors want to keep Brandin Podziemski, but only time will tell how much they will be willing to pay to keep him long-term on the team.
Fans React to Brandin Podziemski Reportedly Asking for More Than $40 Million for Three Years
The latest report about Brandin Podziemski’s contract talks with the Golden State Warriors caught the eye of basketball fans. One fan reacted:
“Kerr’s gonna get him $50 million, even if Kerr has to take a pay cut.”
Another fan added:
“That money is small for a player of his caliber. … He is a superstar.”
One fan continued:
“Bro can’t crack 30 in 2 years and he wants more than 39 mill.”
Another fan commented:
“As long as Steve Kerr is there, he’ll stay, be over used and over paid.”
One fan tweeted:
“That would be an absolute STEAL at that price. He’s def worth 15-20m/yr on the open market.”
Steve Kerr values Brandin Podziemski, who has proven he can play off or on the ball. Podziemski can also play with or without the Warriors’ veteran stars, so some are predicting the Dubs will give him more than they paid Moody. Others are not as convinced that the former Santa Clara star deserves a more lucrative contract than his teammate.
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