Stein explains how Podz and JK contracts affect Warriors’ trade decision Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Any Possible Warriors trade For Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen Golden State will likely part ways with some of its young players, but which players will leave?
NBA expert Marc Stein believes the respective contract situations of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga could weigh heavily on which of the two the Warriors are willing to include in any 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 extensionwhile Podziemski has at least three more years of team control after being selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“Beyond how highly Golden State values the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons remaining on his rookie contract worth nearly $13 million as the No. 19 overall pick in June 2023,” Stein wrote. “Kuminga, meanwhile, is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21 as the No. 7 overall pick in a 2021 draft class that has already seen Detroit’s Cade Cunningham (Pistons), Cleveland’s Evan Mobley (Cavaliers), Toronto’s Scottie Barnes (Raptors) and Orlando’s Franz Wagner (Magic) all land extensions well in excess of $200 million.”
Stein further explained that given Podziemski’s immediate impact and his ability to play efficiently alongside franchise centerpiece Steph Curry, the 21-year-old guard remains highly coveted by Golden State’s top decision-makers.
Podziesmki’s rookie contract also runs concurrently with the high-end contracts of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, giving the Warriors a true difference-maker at an incredible price — something that has become more valuable than ever given the NBA’s new luxury tax penalties under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
“Podziemski has quickly proven himself to be a high-end complement to the face of the franchise, Stephen Curry, and he isn’t eligible for a massive raise until the current contracts of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins expire in the summer of 2027,” Stein said. “That’s a key consideration for Golden State in the NBA’s new luxury-tax world.”
Stein also reported that there is a “league-wide belief” that the Warriors… I prefer to move Kuminga instead of Podziemski in any possible trade for Markkanen, which aligns with the financial implications outlined above.
Podziemski finished his second NBA Summer League with a pair of solid performances, giving Golden State officials more confidence that he can be a player who plays a pivotal role for the Warriors both now and in the future.
While Kuminga has made considerable strides since helping Golden State win an NBA title in his first season, the massive payday he’s eligible for could ultimately be what impacts the Warriors’ final decision if the team parts ways with one of its prized youngsters in a deal for Markkanen.
