Warriors Exercise Team Option for Promising Young Guard

The Golden State Warriors have exercised their team option for Brandin Podziemski. They put out a memo announcing the roster move on Thursday. 

“The Golden State Warriors have exercised the fourth-year team option on guard Brandin Podziemski, it was announced Thursday.

Podziemski, 22, has appeared in five games (three starts) this season, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 29.6 minutes per game. Originally selected by Golden State with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Podziemski earned 2023–24 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, becoming the 19th player in franchise history to receive the recognition. The third-year guard has appeared in 143 career games (64 starts) with the franchise, averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.8 minutes per game.”

Podziemski is part of the Warriors' future, and this move was a no-brainer. Not only has Podziemski shown growth in each of his first few NBA seasons, but he has proven himself to be a great locker room presence and leader. 

While Podziemski’s play remains a bit inconsistent, he is always giving 100% on the floor every game he plays. He is tough, defensively underrated, and has a basketball IQ that has made Steve Kerr need to keep him on the floor. 

The Warriors’ exercising this option means Podz is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer. Unlike with some of their recent draft picks, expect the Warriors to try hard to get that extension done fairly and swiftly. 

Even though Podziemski might not be a star talent quite yet, he does everything right. He has pride for his team, he works hard, and he is constantly trying to be better and better. The Warriors can’t ask for much more.