SAN FRANCISCO — Brandin Podziemski officially became one of the NBA’s wealthiest young guards after agreeing to a five-year, $110 million rookie-scale extension with the Warriors, instantly making him the most expensive Podz currently operating on American soil.
The fully guaranteed deal includes a mutual option for the fifth season and a trade kicker, ensuring Golden State retains long-term control of both Podziemski and every possible abbreviation of his last name.
Team officials reportedly spent much of the negotiation confirming that “Podz” was, in fact, a basketball player and not a new consumer product requiring an annual software update.
The 23-year-old averaged a career-high 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season while appearing in all 82 games, making him one of Golden State’s most reliable young pieces.
Warriors executives said the contract reflects their belief that Podziemski can remain a major part of the franchise’s future, while also acknowledging the organization had reached the point where calling him “a promising young guy on a rookie deal” was becoming financially dishonest.
Sources say Podziemski celebrated the agreement by briefly checking his bank account, staring silently at the screen, and then drawing another charge.
Golden State reportedly remains pleased with the investment.
“Five years, $110 million,” one fictional staffer said. “At that price, we’re going to need at least three more letters in Podz.”
