The Golden State Warriors and guard Brandin Podziemski have agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract extension, according to multiple reports cited by CBS Sports. The agreement came on Saturday and secures the former No. 19 overall pick for the long term.
Podziemski, 23, played all 82 games last season and averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists, shooting 45.5 percent from the field, 37.1 percent from three and 79.7 percent at the line. CBS Sports described him as a rare hit for the Warriors in recent drafts.
Why the number raised eyebrows
Golden State has been guarding its financial flexibility as it chases one last championship with Stephen Curry, who is 38. CBS Sports said that is why the extension drew surprise at first, with many wondering how much of the room created by Curry earlier this offseason the new deal would consume.
The answer, per the outlet, is not much. Podziemski's cap hold for next summer was set at $17 million, and the first year of the extension reportedly starts at $18.9 million. That trims available space by only $1.9 million. CBS Sports also noted the deal locks in his price in case he breaks out in 2026-27.
Deadline and summer implications
Because the extension does not begin until next summer, it will not affect the team's finances if it explores a trade at this season's deadline. CBS Sports added that the deal would likely keep Podziemski out of any such trade, and that it clarifies the backcourt picture with him next to Curry.
The bigger cap questions lie elsewhere. CBS Sports said the Warriors can still create $60 million in space next summer, since Kristaps Porzingis' $20 million contract is guaranteed for only $3 million. That scenario would leave a roster of just seven players and exclude the cap holds for Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. How the team handles their pending free agencies will determine how much it can actually spend.
Why it matters
For Podziemski, the outlet suggested, the extension avoids the risks of restricted free agency, where several players have fared poorly in recent years. For the Warriors, it is a bet that a young, durable guard can anchor the post-Curry era without costing them the flexibility to upgrade the roster around the veteran now.
Reporting sources: CBS Sports Headlines, “With Brandin Podziemski's extension, Warriors maintain flexibility for one last title pursuit with Steph Curry”.