Warriors Face A Real Podziemski Decision Sooner Than Fans Think

With Brandin Podziemski's contract negotiations heating up, insiders suggest a surprising four-year deal could soon be on the table for the Warriors' standout guard.

The latest buzz around Brandin Podziemski’s future points to a deal that would lock him in with the Warriors on a four-year, $70 million extension, according to ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel.

That figure would come out to about $17.5 million per year and, in Siegel’s view, would be a way for Golden State to show faith in one of its young pieces. “Although it is unknown at this time whether the Warriors have put an offer on the table during training camp, a fair deal for Podziemski and one for the organization to prove their loyalty to him would be something slightly higher than the MLE,” Siegel said.

It’s a notable shift from where Siegel’s thinking stood earlier in the summer. In July, he said on X that Podziemski’s extension could land in the “$22-24 million” annual range, while also calling the “sweet spot” a little lower, in the “$18-19 million per year range.”

Then in August, Siegel floated another possibility entirely: Podziemski could play out the season without a new deal. “Do not be surprised if Podziemski enters the 2026-27 season in the final year of his rookie deal and is staring down restricted free agency next offseason. After all, he still needs to prove his overall worth either in the starting lineup or as the team's sixth man,” Siegel said.

Podziemski made a strong case for himself last season, especially when Stephen Curry was sidelined by injury. He appeared in all 82 games and averaged 13.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.1% from 3-point range.

In Other News...

Warriors Just Sent A Big Opening Night Lineup Message

Steve Kerr is already hinting at how the Warriors might look when the games start to count, and Tuesdays second preseason game offered another clue. Veteran center Al Horford is set to come off the bench, with Gui Santos sliding into the starting lineup as Golden State leans into a smaller look while it sorts out roles and minutes.

Horfords reserve status appears tied to workload management, but the bigger question still hanging over the roster is Kristaps Porzingis. He remains out indefinitely, and his uncertain timeline leaves real doubt about whether he can be available for the season opener against the Lakers, which could push Golden State toward a small-ball answer right out of the gate. [Read more 🡒]

Stephen Curry Shares Why Don Nelson Still Means So Much To Warriors

The Warriors opened their preseason schedule against the Lakers at Chase Center with more than just a new look on the court. Golden State also unveiled a jersey patch honoring the late Don Nelson, the former coach who died in August, turning the night into a small but meaningful tribute to one of the most influential figures in franchise history.

Before tipoff, Stephen Curry reflected on what Nelson meant to the organization and the league, a reminder that the Warriors present-day success still carries echoes of earlier eras. Nelsons fingerprints were felt long before Curry became a superstar, but his connection to the current core gives the tribute extra weight, especially on a night when the team was back on the floor to begin another season. [Read more 🡒]

Warriors Face A Telling Brandin Podziemski Decision Amid Bigger Questions

The Warriors have more than one roster matter hanging in the balance, but Brandin Podziemski has become a telling one. Marc Stein reported that Golden State is working toward a contract agreement with the young guard, a move that would keep a promising piece in place as the franchise keeps trying to sort out a roster that still feels uneven around its core.

It is a familiar kind of Warriors crossroads: protect the future while managing the present. With concerns already lingering around the health of Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis, the urgency goes beyond one negotiation, even if Podziemski's situation may resolve soon. How Golden State handles that conversation will say plenty about where the front office thinks this team is headed. [Read more 🡒]