The Golden State Warriors have three weeks to come to terms on a contract extension with Brandin Podziemski, but the front office certainly won't be overpaying the young guard as they look to preserve their cap space heading into free agency next year.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Warriors won't want to go much beyond Podziemski's $17.5 million cap hold in a threshold they might stick to after signing franchise superstar Stephen Curry to a two-year, $116 million extension last week.
Warriors set clear Brandin Podziemski contract limit fans will appreciate
There has been talk Podziemski would pursue an extension in excess of $20 million per season, but fans will appreciate the fact Golden State don't appear willing to go to that point for a player who's yet to solidify himself as a bonafide starter.
A deal around the cap hold could equate to a four-year, $70 million contract which could be the sweet-spot for the Warriors and Podziemski to agree to an extension before the October 19 deadline -- two days before the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
A Podziemski extension now would eat into the Warriors' projected cap space which could otherwise reach over $60 million even after Curry's deal on Friday. Getting a reliable role player like Podziemski at less than $20 million could still prove worthwhile though, and that's before accounting for improvement from the 23-year-old who took some positive steps late last season.
Podziemski averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 47/37/83 shooting splits after the All-Star break. They are the type of numbers that are certainly worth over $20 million per year, meaning Golden State could get a steal if an extension takes place and the former 19th pick then translates that production across a full year.
Brandin Podziemski set to let his basketball do the talking
Whether Podziemski gets a contract extension or not, he's vowing to let his basketball do the talking after controversial statements in the past that have drawn the ire of Warrior fans and led to an at times unfair reputation.
Speaking at media day and with a new no nonsense look, Podziemski claimed "it's better if I don't say anything."That suggests a level of increased maturity which should excite fans, particularly given Golden State need a lift from their young players entering the season.
After playing nearly 500 more minutes than any other Warrior last season -- largely because he played in all 82 games -- Podziemski will again get the opportunity to let his basketball do the talking and change his perception among the fanbase.
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