Podziemski and Kuminga’s paths diverge in Golden State
Brandin Podziemski faces a contract standoff with the Warriors seeking up to $24 million annually while Jonathan Kuminga has signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves. These roster shifts impact Golden State's lineup chemistry and future rotation stability.
The contract standoff
Podziemski faces a difficult negotiation because the Warriors propose between $16 million and $18 million annually while his camp seeks between $20 million and $24 million per year before the October 19 deadline this year in the NBA. He will become a restricted free agent next summer. Tim MacMahon of the Hoop Collective noted that Podziemski has expressed views about succeeding Stephen Curry that some find "completely separated from reality." Draymond Green also expressed frustration with Podziemski’s comments last year. Podziemski, who measures 6-4 and 205 pounds, averaged 13.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals last season while playing all 82 games. He earned 43 starts and shot 37 percent from three, while also averaging 5.1 rebounds per game and making $3,687,960 in 2026. He scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a Play-In Game loss to the Suns. In a preseason win over the Lakers, he scored 16 points and grabbed two rebounds in 19 minutes. He was the WCC co-Player of the Year at Santa Clara and was drafted 19th overall in 2023. Podziemski’s rookie season saw him average 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while starting 28 games.
| Podziemski Extension Offer | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Warriors Proposal | $16M – $18M |
| Podziemski Camp Request | $20M – $24M |
Kuminga moves to Minnesota
Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year, $12.4 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He bypassed a larger offer from the Lakers to maintain control of his future. Kuminga’s 2025-26 season saw him average 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds across 36 games. Between January 1 and the end of the 2023-24 season, he averaged 18.5 points and 5.4 rebounds on 54 percent shooting. The Warriors added Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton this offseason. Since Klay Thompson plays for the Magic, Podziemski likely starts as the shooting guard. Kuminga, a 2021 lottery pick, previously signed an extension in the 2025 offseason, but he was later shipped to Atlanta midseason. Kuminga, who measures 6-6 and 210 pounds, scored 30 points against the Clippers and 23 points against the Lakers during the 2026 preseason, having finished the 2024-25 season with 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. The Warriors’ frontcourt contains Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, though they added Dario Saric and Trayce Jackson-Davis as depth.
Lineup chemistry and rotation
The Warriors must decide if they want to invest in Podziemski or prioritize veteran stability. Podziemski, Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post produced a +19.8 net rating in 24 minutes. Podziemski, Kuminga, Green, and Curry produced a -3.6 net rating in 98 minutes. Podziemski, Hield, and Kuminga produced a -38.0 net rating in 51 minutes. Podziemski, Moody, Santos, and Jackson-Davis produced a -17.8 net rating in 32 minutes. Podziemski, Moody, Butler, Green, and Post produced a +4.1 net rating in 61 minutes. You should watch how Steve Kerr manages these minutes as the roster changes. Podziemski, who turned 23, is a versatile contributor who was one of 13 players last season to average at least five rebounds and three assists while making at least 37 percent of his 3s. He also trailed only Luka Doncic, Josh Hart, and Josh Giddey in rebounding. Podziemski’s ability to provide secondary playmaking helps Curry, but his presence in certain lineups produces negative results. Will Podziemski’s versatility outweigh the rotation issues seen in specific lineups?
