Warriors Lock Up Podziemski with $110M Deal
Brandin Podziemski signs five-year, $110 million extension with the Warriors, locking him in through 2031-32 [2].
The Golden State Warriors have secured starting guard Brandin Podziemski with a five-year, $110 million contract extension, avoiding restricted free agency next summer [2]. The deal, confirmed by ESPN and reported by the New York Post, includes a mutual option for the final season and a trade kicker.
Podziemski, 23, was selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and has become a cornerstone of the Warriors’ roster. He played in all 82 regular-season games last season, averaging 13.8 points, 45.5% field-goal shooting, and setting career highs in assists and steals [1].
The extension comes as the Warriors navigate a challenging season without key players Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, both rehabbing from serious knee injuries, and with center Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely [2]. Despite the roster's aging and injury concerns, Podziemski’s durability and versatility have made him a vital asset. He is an elite rebounding guard, averaging over five rebounds per game, and ranks among the NBA’s top three in charges drawn since entering the league.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr calls Podziemski a 'connector' who makes teammates better, noting his positive net rating in all three seasons [2]. In his rookie year, the team outscored opponents by 264 points when he was on the floor—best on the team. That number remained strong at 261 in his second season.
The contract’s structure helps preserve cap flexibility. Podziemski’s first-year salary jumps from $5.6 million to $18.9 million, saving the Warriors an estimated $1.9 million in cap space compared to a restricted free agency scenario [2]. The Warriors could still have $55–60 million in space next season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, though this projection has not been confirmed and is based solely on the possibility of cutting Porzingis, whose $3 million is guaranteed.
With Curry’s $10 million pay cut for next season aimed at preserving future flexibility, the team is building around a core of young, affordable players like Podziemski [2]. His extension includes max raises: $18.9M, $20.4M, $22M, $23.5M, and a $25M mutual option.
The Warriors now have a clear path forward: keep Podziemski as a key contributor while managing long-term cap health.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- New York Post: Warriors star fires off defiant 2-word message after $110 million extension
- ESPN: Warriors, Podziemski agree to 5-year, $110M extension
