Podziemski Signs Five-Year, $110 Million Extension with Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have secured one of the key pieces they want to build around for the post-Stephen Curry era. Brandin Podziemski has signed a five-year, $110 million extension to his rookie contract, according to Associated Press, tying him to the team through the 2031-32 season. The final year includes a mutual option, an unusual formula in the NBA: both parties must agree to continue, renegotiate, or part ways.

The figure reflects a season that impressed in San Francisco. Podziemski was the only Warriors player, and one of just 18 in the entire league, to play all 82 regular season games. He also posted his best numbers as a professional: 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists in just under 30 minutes per game, shooting 45.5% from the field. Golden State values both the production and physical reliability of a shooting guard who arrived in the NBA as a mid-first round pick and has grown year after year.

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Steve Kerr celebrated it before the preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. "I'm thrilled for Brandin and his family, and very happy for us. It's a deal where both sides win," the head coach explained. For Kerr, Podziemski is "a tremendous young player, an important part of our future." He also highlighted the relief of closing the deal before the start of the season: "Now he can focus solely on basketball."

General manager Mike Dunleavy echoed the sentiment: "He has continued to improve and expand his game since arriving in the league, and we believe his progression is far from over. He's a durable player, talented, and contributes on both offense and defense."

The extension closes a summer in which the Warriors have bet on continuity. In September they extended Curry's contract, and before that had renewed much of their veteran core: Draymond Green, Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II. With that core, Golden State is maximizing the window of their superstar. With Podziemski, they secure a foundation for what comes next.