The Golden State Warriors continue to build for a post-Stephen Curry world, agreeing to a five-year contract extension with 23-year-old guard Brandin Podziemski, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The agreement includes a mutual option for the 2031–32 season and a trade kicker.
While Curry remains the face of the franchise, Golden State understands that its legendary point guard will not be around forever. Securing young, productive players who can contribute both now and in the future is an important part of preparing for that transition.
Podziemski may not become the next superstar in Golden State, but he has the tools to develop into an extremely valuable third piece on a competitive Warriors team.
Podziemski’s Continued Development
The 2025–26 season was the best of Podziemski’s young NBA career.
Appearing in all 82 regular-season games, including 43 starts, the guard averaged:
- 13.8 points per game
- 5.1 rebounds per game
- 3.7 assists per game
- 1.1 steals per game
- 37.1% three-point shooting
- 45.5% field-goal shooting
Podziemski also connected on 153 three-pointers, averaging approximately 1.9 made threes per game.
His offensive development has been encouraging, with his scoring average improving in each of his first three NBA seasons.
More importantly, he has demonstrated that he can contribute without needing the offense to revolve around him.
A Reliable Three-Point Shooter
One of Podziemski’s most valuable attributes is his outside shooting.
During the 2025–26 season, he converted 37.1% of his three-point attempts on approximately five attempts per game.
That combination of efficiency and volume makes him a legitimate perimeter threat.
He also finished second on the Warriors in total three-pointers made, trailing only Curry.
Playing alongside one of the greatest shooters in NBA history has provided Podziemski with an opportunity to learn within an offense that emphasizes movement, spacing, and intelligent shot selection.
His ability to knock down outside shots should remain valuable regardless of who eventually becomes Golden State’s primary offensive option.
What About His Defense?
Podziemski is also a capable defensive contributor, although his strengths are different from those of a traditional lockdown perimeter defender.
He averaged 1.1 steals per game last season and has developed a reputation for his willingness to take charges.
His defensive value comes from positioning, anticipation, effort, and an understanding of team defensive concepts.
He is not necessarily the player Golden State would want defending the opposing team’s best scorer on every possession. However, he can contribute to a successful defensive system by making intelligent rotations and creating additional possessions.
His rebounding is another underrated aspect of his game.
Averaging 5.1 rebounds as a guard is impressive, particularly considering he stands approximately 6-foot-4.
That willingness to contribute beyond scoring is precisely what makes him such an intriguing complementary player.
Building for Life After Stephen Curry
The Warriors face an unavoidable reality: eventually, the Stephen Curry era will come to an end.
Curry transformed Golden State into one of the most successful franchises of the modern NBA, delivering four championships and establishing a dynasty.
Replacing a player of his caliber is virtually impossible.
However, the Warriors can begin building the supporting cast that will surround their next franchise centerpiece.
That is where Podziemski comes in.
He does not need to become Curry’s replacement. Instead, Golden State can develop him into a reliable third option who provides outside shooting, rebounding, secondary playmaking, and intelligent defense.
Every championship contender needs players capable of contributing without dominating the basketball.
Podziemski has already demonstrated several of those qualities.
If Golden State eventually acquires or develops its next superstar, having an established complementary guard could make that transition significantly easier.
Final Thoughts
The Warriors’ decision to extend Brandin Podziemski represents another step toward preparing for their future.
At just 23 years old, he has already demonstrated durability, consistent development, reliable outside shooting, and a willingness to contribute in multiple areas of the game.
There is still plenty of room for improvement, particularly as an individual shot creator and perimeter defender.
Nevertheless, Podziemski does not need to become an All-NBA superstar to make a meaningful impact on Golden State’s future.
He simply needs to continue developing into the kind of dependable third piece that championship-caliber teams rely upon.
Stephen Curry’s era will eventually end, but Golden State is already taking steps to ensure the franchise has a foundation for what comes next.
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