Warriors Issue Major Announcement on Brandin Podziemski
The Golden State Warriors officially exercised the fourth-year option on guard Brandin Podziemski, solidifying the rising guard’s place in the franchise’s long-term plans.
The 22-year-old has appeared in five games this season, including three starts, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.6 minutes. Originally drafted 19th overall in 2023, Podziemski earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and quickly became a fan favorite for his hustle and confidence.
Podziemski’s Rising Role and Ambition
Podziemski has made no secret of his ambition to carry the Warriors into their next era once Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler eventually pass the torch.
“When they leave this thing, they’ve got to leave it with somebody,” Podziemski told
He added that being that successor takes more than skill. “There are a lot of other things than just talent you need to be in that position,” he said.
The Warriors clearly agree. Owner Joe Lacob has publicly called Podziemski a “future All-Star,” while coach Steve Kerr often refers to him as the team’s “connector” — the guard who balances the floor and keeps ball movement steady.
“I want to be a third option for this team,” Podziemski said. “I want to be a guy where Steph and Jimmy are out, they can rely on me to help win games.”
Warriors Veteran Endorses Podziemski’s Confidence
Green, a four-time All-Star, said he appreciates Podziemski’s confidence but reminded him that leadership in Golden State comes with pressure.
“You’re worried a little more when someone struggles with confidence,” Green said. “With BP, you appreciate the respect. You hope the young guys that come in respect you, because if they do, there’s so much we can give.”
Green said both he and Curry care deeply about leaving the franchise in the right hands.
“Steph and myself — we care about the organization. We don’t just care about this year for us. We’re tied to this thing forever,” he said. “When I’m 45, I don’t want to come watch some sorry team play. I want to come when it’s jumpin’ — that matters.”
Still, Green urged Podziemski to balance ambition with patience. “Be careful. Don’t tell people too much, because the more you tell people, the more they use it against you,” he said. “We all believe he’s going to be one of the guys who takes the torch. But the moment you have a bad game, that’s when it turns.”
Earning His Time in a Loaded Lineup
While Podziemski is currently Golden State’s fourth-leading scorer behind Curry (27.0 ppg), Butler (21.4 ppg), and Jonathan Kuminga (16.2 ppg), his versatility has allowed Kerr to deploy him interchangeably as a starter and sixth man.
“He’ll be that, no question,” Green said. “But it ain’t his time yet. He’ll continue to grow and walk right into it, but don’t force it. This offense isn’t built for him to take over — it’s built for him to be aggressive, not to take over.”
For now, the Warriors see Podziemski as the bridge between their championship core and their future.
“Be a kid as long as you can, because then you’ve got bills,” Green joked. “Stay in that spot as long as you can, because so much more comes with it when you get to the place you want to go.”
Broncos Trade Proposal Lands Former Ravens Draft Pick to Help Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos are in an interesting spot, sitting at 6-2 and atop the AFC West entering Week 9 with the trade deadline less than one week away, but a move that helps quarterback
ESPN’s staff put together a trade deadline breakdown, and Ben Solak suggested the Broncos attempt to trade for former Baltimore Ravens starter
Cleveland could help the Broncos tread water until they get their starter, Ben Powers, back.
Broncos Urged to Trade for Ravens OG Ben Cleveland
GettyBen Cleveland #66 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during training camp.
The Broncos lost starting left guard Ben Powers to injured reserve with a torn biceps, and replacement Matt Peart followed him. The Broncos got by with Alex Palczewski against the
That is where Cleveland could be of service to the Broncos after falling out of favor with the Ravens, who drafted him with the 94th overall pick of the 2021 draft.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade pitch sends a late-round pick to the Ravens for Cleveland.
Broncos get:
- Ben Cleveland
Ravens get:
- 2026 sixth-round draft pick
“The Broncos could be looking for depth at guard following the injury to Ben Powers, whom they signed from Baltimore two years ago,”
Cleveland, 27, has appeared in 61 games for the Ravens in his career, but he has seven starts and has never drawn more than four in a single season. That came during his rookie campaign, making Cleveland a risky trade target for the Broncos or any other team looking for help.
Broncos Alex Palczewski Gets Strong Endorsement
The Broncos could be inclined to stand pat at the deadline, given head coach Sean Payton’s strong praise for Palczewski. A former undrafted free agent,
“He’s doing well,” Payton told reporters on October 29. “He doesn’t look like a throw-in left guard. He’s smart. He’s tough. It’s good to see him playing. It’s good when you look at some of the guys we were able to get after the draft and late. That’s like gold, getting those type of players. And we had, that first year, we hit on a number of linemen.”
Palczewski and the Broncos will face the Houston Texans in Week 9. Their strength is off the edges and in the secondary.
The Las Vegas Raiders are also stronger off the edges than they are up the middle.
That matchup is after the deadline anyway. Moreover, Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs loom large in Week 11 and again in Week 17. Powers could return to the field by then, but that remains uncertain.
Skill positions could be enticing, but the Broncos have stocked their cupboards with young, ascending talent behind veterans Courtland Sutton, Evan Engram, and J.K. Dobbins.
Nix avoids sacks well, but a trade for an upgrade at guard could help him and the Broncos.
