Brandin Podziemski Extension Explained

The Golden State Warriors have locked up starting guard Brandin Podziemski on a five-year, $110 million contract extension, a move that keeps the 23-year-old with the franchise beyond next summer and removes him from restricted free agency, giving the team a young and durable guard to build around.

Podziemski, selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, was the first player taken under general manager Mike Dunleavy, and is entering his fourth NBA season, earning $5.6 million this year on the final season of his rookie contract before the new deal begins.

What does the extension mean for the Warriors' cap space?

The fully guaranteed extension includes a trade kicker and a mutual option in the 2031-32 season, structured so either side can opt in but neither can opt out, preserving the chance for both parties to discuss another extension that offseason.

Keeping Brandin Podziemski’s first-year salary at $18.9 million was a key point for the Golden State Warriors during talks, prioritizing flexibility for the 2027-28 season, with Stephen Curry agreeing to a $10 million pay cut next year to help create room for roster moves through free agency or trades.

How will Brandin Podziemski fit into the Warriors' lineup?

Expectations for the Golden State Warriors this season are modest, with starting wings Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody recovering from serious knee injuries, and Brandin Porzingis’s return timeline unclear, but Podziemski has been one of the few constants, appearing in all 82 games last season and setting career highs with 13.8 points per game.

He has averaged more than five rebounds per game in each of his first three seasons, ranking among the league leaders in charges drawn, and his connecting ability and advanced metrics are valued by Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

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By the numbers

• $110 million: The total value of Brandin Podziemski's contract extension
• 5 years: The length of the contract extension
• $18.9 million: Podziemski's first-year salary
• $5.6 million: Podziemski's salary this year on his rookie contract
• 13.8 points per game: Podziemski's career high
• 82 games: The number of games Podziemski appeared in last season
• 5 rebounds per game: Podziemski's average rebounds per game in his first three seasons

What are the implications for Stephen Curry and the Warriors' core?

By securing Brandin Podziemski now, the Warriors retain a young, durable guard who has already shown he can contribute positively next to their core, while protecting future roster flexibility around Curry, who has agreed to a $10 million pay cut next year to help create room for roster moves.

The extension structure and long-term outlook are crucial for the Warriors, with salaries projected at $18.9 million, $20.4 million, $22 million, $23.5 million, and a $25 million mutual option in the final year, giving the team a solid foundation to build around.

How will the extension impact the Warriors' future roster moves?

The Warriors could still open $55 million to $60 million in space next summer, retaining the option to waive center Kristaps Porzingis, whose $20 million salary next season is only $3 million guaranteed, and holding four tradable first-round picks, giving them flexibility to make roster moves through free agency or trades.

What's next for the Golden State Warriors?

The Warriors will look to build on their current roster, with the extension of Brandin Podziemski providing a solid foundation for the team's future success.