How Brandin Podziemski’s contract impacts Warriors trade, according to NBA insider – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

A potential Warriors trade for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen would undoubtedly see Golden State part with some of its emerging young core players. But which players would leave?

NBA insider Marc Stein believes the contractual situations of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga could play a major role in deciding which of the two the Warriors want to include in any potential package sent to the Jazz in exchange for Markkanen.

Stein detailed his thoughts on the latest edition of ‘The Stein Line’, highlighting the fact that Kuminga is immediately eligible for an extension, while Podziemski has at least three more years of control of the team after being selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

“In addition to how highly Golden State values ​​the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons remaining on his nearly $13 million rookie contract as the 19th overall pick in June 2023,” Stein wrote. “Kuminga, meanwhile, is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21 as the 7th overall pick of a 2021 draft class that has already seen Detroit (Pistons’) Cade Cunningham, Cleveland (Cavaliers’) Evan Mobley, Toronto (Raptors’) Scottie Barnes and Orlando (Magic’s) Franz Wagner sign extensions well in excess of $200 million.”

Stein went on to explain that given Podziemski’s immediate impact and his ability to play effectively alongside franchise center Steph Curry, the 21-year-old guard remains highly sought after by Golden State’s key decision-makers.

Podziesmki’s rookie contract runs concurrently with the generous contracts of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, making the Warriors a real difference-maker for an incredible bargain—more valuable than ever given the NBA’s new tax penalties under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

“Podziemski has quickly proven to be a complement to franchise face Stephen Curry and won’t be eligible for a huge raise until after Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins’ current contracts expire in the summer of 2027,” Stein said. “That’s a key consideration for Golden State in the NBA’s new world of luxury tax aprons.”

Stein also reported that there is a “league-wide belief” that the Warriors would rather trade Kuminga than Podziemski for Markkanen, which aligns with the financial implications outlined above.

Podziemski closed out his second NBA Summer League with two strong performances, giving Golden State’s top brass even more confidence that he can be a player who can play a pivotal role for the Warriors now and in the future.

While Kuminga has made huge strides himself since helping Golden State win the NBA title in his first season, the massive salary he’s commanding could ultimately be the deciding factor in the Warriors’ final decision if the team parts with one of their prized young players in a deal for Markkanen.

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