The Golden State Warriors are riding high after locking in Jonathan Kuminga with a two-year, $48 million deal on Tuesday, finally breaking the offseason stalemate that had kept their roster moves in limbo. With Kuminga’s contract settled, the Warriors wasted no time, swiftly finalizing deals with free agents Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Seth Curry in a whirlwind of signings. The team’s financial puzzle is now falling into place, but a critical decision looms—one that could shape their backcourt for the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Enter Brandin Podziemski, the sharpshooting guard who’s become a fan favorite off the Warriors’ bench. With the clock ticking, Golden State faces a high-stakes call on Podziemski’s future, and the deadline is fast approaching.
Podziemski, now in his third year of a four-year, $16.2 million rookie contract, is at a crossroads. The Warriors already exercised the first team option for the 2024-25 season, but now they must decide whether to pick up the second option for 2025-26. If they do, it’ll cost them $5.6 million, with a $3.6 million cap hit. The deadline? October 31, 2025. That’s less than a month for the Warriors to weigh their options and commit.
Podziemski has proven his worth as a reliable spark plug off the bench. Last season, he averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 26.8 minutes per game, showcasing his versatility and knack for making big plays. Projections for the upcoming 2025-26 season suggest he’s poised for an even bigger scoring leap, making him a valuable asset for a Warriors team aiming to reclaim championship glory.
The Warriors’ recent signing of De’Anthony Melton adds intrigue to the Podziemski decision. Melton brings defensive grit and playmaking to the shooting guard spot, but he’s still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the 2024-25 season. This uncertainty keeps Podziemski firmly in the mix for significant minutes, especially given his ability to stretch the floor and contribute on both ends.
Head coach Steve Kerr couldn’t hide his excitement about Podziemski’s recent performance, particularly after a standout scrimmage on Thursday. “BP had an incredible day today,” Kerr told ESPN’s Anthony Slater. “He’s looking more poised, more confident with his shot, staying off the refs. A lot of guys looked good, but I would say BP stood out today.” High praise from a coach known for his sharp eye for talent—and a strong hint that Podziemski remains a key piece of Golden State’s puzzle.
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Podziemski’s role as a leading bench scorer makes him a prime candidate for heavy rotation minutes, but the Warriors’ front office must also consider the long game. Even if they pick up his option, Podziemski could become a trade chip later in the season as the team fine-tunes its roster for a championship push. Letting him walk into free agency, however, seems unlikely when the option to secure him for another year is on the table.
With new faces like Horford, Melton, and Curry joining the fold, the Warriors are building a roster with depth and versatility. But Podziemski’s youth, upside, and proven production make him a player worth keeping—at least for now. The $5.6 million decision isn’t just about money; it’s about whether Golden State sees Podziemski as a cornerstone or a valuable asset to leverage.
As October 31 looms, the Warriors face a choice that could ripple through their season. Do they lock in Podziemski for another year, betting on his growth and immediate impact? Or do they hesitate, risking the loss of a rising star? One thing’s clear: Brandin Podziemski has made his case on the court, and the Warriors can’t afford to ignore it. The countdown is on, and Dub Nation is watching.