Podziemski's Extension Could Hit $24M — What It Means for His 2026-27 Value
The 23-year-old averaged 27.8 FPTS/G last season (2025-26) and may play out his rookie deal before a payday between $18M and $24M.
Locked-in starter with room to grow — cheaper now than in November.
- 13.8 pts, 4.2 reb, 2.7 ast in starting role (2025-26)
- 27.8 FPTS/G last season across 82 games
- Reported AAV range: $22M-$24M
- Warriors' preferred number: $15M-$18M
- Our rank #114 overall, #54 among guards
Golden State's plan for next season isn't a splashy trade or a marquee signing — it's Brandin Podziemski. The 23-year-old guard stepped into a full-time starting role late in 2025-26 and closed the year at 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 45.5% shooting and 37.1% from deep. That development has moved him from prospect to priority.
It's also moved him toward a payday. Per reporting from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, Podziemski's next contract could land between $22 million and $24 million in average annual value, while the Warriors would prefer something in the $15 million to $18 million window. Expect his camp to push above Golden State's comfort zone given his production as a starter.
No Rush to Sign
Siegel notes there's no urgency to get a deal done before opening night, largely because Stephen Curry's contract situation sits higher on the front office's to-do list. The realistic path: Podziemski plays out the final year of his rookie deal and hits restricted free agency next offseason. That's a wait-and-see for the accountants, but it doesn't change what he does on the floor.
The bigger picture is age. With Curry (38), Draymond Green (36) and Jimmy Butler (36) all deep into their careers, Podziemski's youth and durability — he played all 82 games last season — make him the connective tissue between this era and the next. Whether that costs $18M or $24M, the Warriors clearly see him as a core piece.
The Fantasy Fallout
For managers, the takeaway is simple: this is a starter with a green light and no real threat to his minutes. Podziemski posted 27.8 FPTS/G last season (2025-26), good for our rank of #114 overall and #54 among guards. That's a solid mid-round floor with obvious upside as his role deepens on an older roster.
The verdict is BUY LOW. His name value is muted because he's still 'young guard on a veteran team,' but the usage arrow points up and his health record is pristine. If your league mate is undervaluing him ahead of a contract year, grab him before the season proves he's worth more than his current price.
