The Golden State Warriors infamously refused to trade Brandin Podziemski in a deal for Lauri Markkanen in 2024. In fact, the Warriors reportedly put out signals around the league that Podz was “untouchable” in trades after owner Joe Lacob publicly declared him a “future All-Star” and a foundational piece.
It would appear the Warriors are no longer as high on the southpaw. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Warriors are “more open than ever” to move their third-year guard in potential deals ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
In his third season with the Warriors, Podziemski has not taken the leap that many expected him to after he made the All-Rookie First Team a few years ago. Through 27 games, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists on 44/40/75 shooting splits. While his three-point shooting — considered his biggest strength — has remained steady, his defense and playmaking remain major concerns for head coach Steve Kerr.
Warriors Trade Stance Changing
Both Podz and Jonathan Kuminga were in the starting unit when the Warriors began the 2025-26 season, with many expecting the youngsters to finally find their footing alongside the aging trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III. However, Kerr pulled both of them from the opening unit within the first few weeks, and neither player has managed to win back their starting role.
While Kuminga has completely fallen out of Kerr’s rotation, Podz has seen his playing time gradually decrease from 28.9 in October to 25.5 in December. The latter is still in closing lineups, specifically for his shooting, but his defense has made him unplayable on many nights, with opponents hunting him in pick-and-roll situations.
No Longer Curry’s Successor?
If the Warriors trade Brandin Podziemski, it would end their vision of positioning the Santa Clara product as the successor of longtime franchise star Stephen Curry. Podz himself has repeatedly stated his desire to take the reins from Curry when the iconic sharpshooter walks off into the sunset within the next few years.
“When they [Curry and Green] leave this thing, they got to leave it with somebody,” Podz told The Athletic’s Nick Friedell recently. “How can I have their trust? And they can go to [owner] Joe [Lacob] and [general manager] Mike [Dunleavy] and be like, “Hey, we want to leave it with him. He’s going to continue what we’re leaving.
“So, I think about that all time, and I set myself up in that position to have that. And there’s a lot of other things than just skill that you need to be in that position.”
Podz faced a lot of backlash for his comments, with Draymond Green advising the 22-year-old guard to prove himself before shooting off his mouth.
“To hear BP say that, it’s exciting,” Green said. “But still, as a leader, you also understand what that comes with. And with him, I say: ‘Be careful.’
“Don’t tell people too much. Because the more you tell people, the more they use it against you and try to tear you down.”
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