SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors picked up Brandin Podziemski’s third-year contract option, an easy move for the organization as the guard has established himself in the league.
The Warriors announced the procedural move right before their Wednesday night game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the Chase Center.
Podziemski, 21, led the NBA in charges drawn as a rookie last season and was a First Team All-Rookie selection. In 74 games last season, Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Podziemski had his best game of the 2024-25 season so far on Tuesday, logging 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and no turnovers in a win over New Orleans.
The Warriors selected Podziemski out of Santa Clara with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. There was skepticism in the industry about his ability to translate his game from college to the NBA, but he quickly answered any questions with his all-around floor game. He was a member of most of Golden State’s most productive lineups last season as a connector and team player.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, first-round picks sign contracts guaranteed for two years, with team options on the third and fourth years. The Warriors will have an opportunity to pick up his fourth-year option next season, which seems inevitable.