Brandin Podziemski’s Emergence Is Changing the Trade Conversation in Golden State
Just a few weeks ago, Brandin Podziemski’s name was floating around in trade chatter as the Warriors looked to shake up their roster before the deadline. But lately, the rookie guard is flipping that narrative - not with flashy 30-point nights, but with something that might be even more valuable for this Golden State team: consistency.
Let’s be clear - Podziemski hasn’t suddenly become a headliner. He’s still coming off the bench, still playing within the flow of the offense. But what he’s doing is carving out a role the Warriors have desperately needed all season: a dependable, efficient contributor who doesn’t need a ton of touches to make an impact.
Over his last four games, Podziemski has quietly put together a string of performances that should have the front office taking notice. He’s scored between 12 and 18 points in each of those outings, averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.
But it’s the efficiency that really jumps off the page - 56.4% shooting from the field and a blistering 45% from three. That’s not just solid - that’s the kind of shooting that shifts games.
And speaking of shifting games, the Warriors have been a +50 in Podziemski’s minutes during this stretch. That includes a staggering +36 in under 28 minutes during Golden State’s recent win over the Orlando Magic.
That’s the kind of plus-minus you usually see next to All-Stars. It speaks to how well he’s fitting in with the lineups around him, how he’s moving the ball, defending his position, and making smart, winning plays.
What’s also important here is the contract. Podziemski is making just $3.7 million this season - a bargain for the kind of production he’s giving.
That low number makes him easy to include in a deal from a salary-matching perspective, but it also makes him incredibly valuable to a cap-strapped team like Golden State. If you’re Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office, moving a productive rookie on a team-friendly deal isn’t something you do lightly - unless, of course, there’s a star coming back in return.
So while Podziemski isn’t necessarily off the table in trade talks, he’s making the decision a lot tougher. His recent play is a reminder that sometimes the best move at the deadline is the one you don’t make.
Looking ahead, the conversation might shift from trade value to long-term value. Podziemski is set to make $5.7 million in the final year of his rookie deal next season, and if he keeps trending upward, the Warriors will have to decide whether to lock him up with an extension or let him test restricted free agency - a scenario they’ve already faced with Jonathan Kuminga.
That decision won’t come until the offseason, but what’s clear right now is this: Podziemski is earning his minutes, earning trust, and earning a spot in the Warriors’ future plans. He’s not just playing to stay off the trade block - he’s playing like a guy who wants to be part of the solution in Golden State.
And if he keeps this up, he just might be.