“Warriors” receive the third year option

SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors have picked up Brandin Podziemski's contract option for a third year, an easy move for the organization as the guard has established himself in the league.

The Warriors announced the procedural move shortly before their game Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center.

The 21-year-old Podziemski led the NBA in scoring 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, recording 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 transfer his game from college to the NBA, but he quickly answered any questions with his all-around floor game. A connector and team player, he was part of most of Golden State's most productive lineups last season.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, first-round picks sign contracts with a two-year guarantee and team options for the third and fourth years. The Warriors will have the opportunity to pick up his fourth-year option next season, which seems inevitable.