The Golden State Warriors are navigating a tricky stretch in the 2025-26 season, with injuries shaking up their rotation and sparking a fresh wave of trade chatter. At the center of that buzz? Draymond Green - no stranger to trade rumors - and rising guard Brandin Podziemski, who’s quietly become one of the more intriguing names on the market.
Podziemski has stepped up in a big way this season, especially with Stephen Curry missing time. He’s been more than just a placeholder - he’s been a steady contributor, giving the Warriors 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game across 27 appearances. That kind of production, particularly from a young guard in a pressure-cooker environment like Golden State, doesn’t go unnoticed - either by fans or front offices around the league.
And now, the trade winds are picking up. According to recent reports, the Warriors are more open than ever to including Podziemski in a deal.
That’s a notable shift, especially considering that just two years ago, he was reportedly the sticking point in a potential Lauri Markkanen blockbuster. Fast forward to now, and Golden State is eyeing ways to bring in another high-impact player before February’s trade deadline - and Podziemski might be the key to making that happen.
Of course, what makes this situation even more compelling is that Podziemski isn’t just trade bait - he’s actively helping the Warriors stay competitive. In their recent matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center, he came off the bench and delivered a well-rounded performance: 12 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. That’s the kind of stat line that shows versatility and poise - qualities that contenders crave.
Still, the night belonged to Stephen Curry. Back in the lineup and back in rhythm, Curry lit up the scoreboard with 48 points in 35 minutes, reminding everyone exactly why he’s still one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. He added a couple of assists and three rebounds, but it was his scoring that kept the Warriors within striking distance.
Draymond Green also made his presence felt, logging 14 points, seven assists, and eight rebounds in 30 minutes of action. Jimmy Butler chipped in with 16 points, four assists, and seven boards over 35 minutes. But despite the solid individual performances, the Warriors came up short, falling 136-131 in a high-scoring battle.
Now, with the trade deadline inching closer and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, Golden State faces some big decisions. Do they stay the course with their current core and emerging young talent like Podziemski? Or do they make a bold move to bring in another star and try to squeeze one more deep playoff run out of the Curry-Green era?
Their next test comes against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena - and while the scoreboard will tell one story, the real drama might be happening behind the scenes, as the front office weighs its options and the trade rumors continue to swirl.