Warriors reportedly holding Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski out of trade talks

It has not exactly been a secret that the Golden State Warriors are looking to upgrade their roster this offseason. The organization was reportedly in talks with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire Paul George in a sign-and-trade. While nothing materialized, they have had ongoing discussions with the Utah Jazz surrounding Lauri Markkanen.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points revealed that the Warriors have not made Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski available in discussions, stating:

The Golden State Warriors are the other team that has shown a lot of interest in Markkanen, sources said, and have made a legitimate offer for the Finnish star. Amid Utah’s steep asking price for their star, the Warriors have offered Moses Moody and multiple first-round picks, including the top-20 protected portion of their 2030 first-round pick currently owned by the Washington Wizards.

At this time, both Jonathan Kuminga and All-Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski have been held out of trade discussions with the Jazz, sources said. The Warriors did not have interest in trading either player for Paul George before he opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Podziemski is viewed as a foundational building block for Golden State’s long-term success, which is why the team hasn’t shown any willingness to include him in dialogue with the Jazz for Markkanen despite Utah’s efforts to change the Warriors’ perspective. [h/t Clutch Points]

Kuminga and Podziemski are both just 21 years old and viewed as two players that are important to Golden State’s future. The latter had a strong rookie season in 2023-24, while the former is coming off of the best season of his brief three-year NBA career.

Warriors owner views Brandin Podziemski as a future All-Star

Apr 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) reacts in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors selected Brandin Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. After a strong rookie season, Joe Lacob offered strong praise for him, labeling him as a future All-Star.

Speaking at the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, the Warriors majority owner and CEO was asked about the All-Rookie First Team selection, responding:

He was a revelation, to be quite honest. I mean, he’s one of the, what, All-Rookie Team, top-five in the league? He started a whole bunch of games for us. Steve [Kerr] had troubles getting him off the floor. I mean, he had to have him on the floor, he was so good.

He does so many things well. He’s ultra confident. He’s got an NBA body. He can get wherever he wants. He obviously can shoot threes. He can drive. He can pass. I mean, what can’t he do? We’re really excited. We think we’ve got a future All-Star. We really do.

Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks in 26.6 minutes per game while shooting 45.4% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range and 63.3% from the free-throw line as a rookie. In addition to being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.

"We think we have a future All-Star"

Joe Lacob with high praise for Podz 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FY9QBWscR8

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 18, 2024

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