The Golden State Warriors have officially exercised their rookie-scale team option on guard Brandin Podziemski, securing his spot for the 2026–27 season, according to a press release shared by the team.
The decision, which many around the league expected well before Friday’s deadline, ensures that Podziemski will earn $5,679,458 in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.
With this move, he becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension in the summer of 2026 and would become a restricted free agent in 2027 if no new deal is reached before then.
Podziemski, now 22 years old, has quickly carved out a steady role in Golden State’s rotation since being selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
The Santa Clara product made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 64 games while shooting 44.5% from the field, 37.2% from deep, and 75.8% from the free-throw line.
As the new season begins, he’s picked up right where he left off, putting up 12.2 points per game and hitting 42.3% of his three-pointers through five appearances – three of which have been starts.
Podziemski is one of six Warriors players with a contract option tied to the 2026–27 campaign. However, he stands out as the only one on a rookie-scale deal, which required the team’s decision to come by October 31.
In contrast, veteran players like Draymond Green, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton hold player options that won’t need to be finalized until next June, while Golden State also has team options to decide on for Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Warriors Exercise 2026/27 Option On Brandin Podziemski https://t.co/HORT8Ci87n pic.twitter.com/IaerQEdZkb
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 30, 2025
