It might be fraught with danger to give a player a contract extension based on training camp, but Brandin Podziemski's early impression suggests the Golden State Warriors may consider changing their stance on what they're willing to pay the young guard before the October 19 deadline.
Podziemski was arguably the most impressive performer in a major Warriors' scrimmage at camp on Thursday, with the 23-year-old now locked into a starting role for Sunday's preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers.
Brandin Podziemski development may change Warriors' extension stance
Steve Kerr confirmed his starting lineup following the scrimmage on Thursday, confirming Podziemski would get first opportunity over De'Anthony Melton as Stephen Curry's partner in the backcourt.
"Brandin's playing great. Picking up right where he left off last year. He's one of our best players and he's still a young player so growing and learning and continuing to improve. Three days in, he's had a great camp," Kerr said (via ESPN's Anthony Slater).
Slater reported earlier in the week that the Warriors will be unwilling to go to much higher on an annual extension than Podziemski's $17.5 million cap hold. However, if he looks like taking another leap or even remaining at the level he was at late last season, it may be worth the front office revisiting their threshold for the former 19th overall pick.
Golden State will of course have to balance extension talks with a look ahead to next summer where they could otherwise project to have max cap space. They signed Curry to a two-year, $116 million deal last week, with the two-time MVP taking around $20 million less than the max to give the Warriors increased flexibility.
Brandin Podziemski could elevate into $25-30 million per year player
The downside to not extending Podziemski now is the possibility of him elevating into being a legitimate $25-30 million per year player. Golden State will still have the leverage of restricted free agency next year, but there will be other cap space teams who could come with a major offer sheet.
If Kerr is right and Podziemski picks up where he left off last season, that's arguably a $25+ million player already without considering any major improvement. Podziemski averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists after the All-Star break, and the early indications are that he'll get the opportunity to put up similar numbers at least until Jimmy Butler returns from injury.
A deal at around the cap hold number could equate to a four-year, $70 million deal, with the clock now ticking as less than three weeks remain till the rookie extension deadline on the eve of the season.
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