When the young core is discussed in Golden State, the first player that typically is brought up is Jonathan Kuminga, as he's the highest-drafted young player on the roster. Despite the flashes he's shown in his time with the Warriors, it seems as though he's trending on his way out, meaning the team's most-prized young player is Brandin Podziemski.

The third-year guard out of Santa Clara has had an up-and-down tenure with the Warriors, featuring high-highs and low-lows. After a rough start to the 2025-26 season, Podziemski has turned it around as of late, earning the acknowledgement of his head coach Steve Kerr.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kerr was complimentary of Podziemski, who has turned it around as of late as a top reserve option for the Warriors.

"Podz has been great. The thing we hammer home with him all the time is get off the ball. Don’t dominate the ball," Kerr said.

Over his past five games, Podziemski is averaging 12.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 52.2% from the field and 48% from three on five attempts per game. Similar to last season, Podziemski struggled in the beginning of the season, but looked like a key member of this team's future after returning from injury last year.

His best two performances over the past five games include a 21-point, eight-rebound, and seven-assist performance against the Chicago Bulls, as well as an 18-point performance in their loss to the Phoenix Suns.

The 2026-27 season will be the final year of Podziemski's rookie contract with the Warriors, which he signed in 2023 after being selected 19th overall. At the conclusion of this year, he will become eligible for an extension, meaning his play through the end of this season could go a long way in determining what Golden State is willing to pay him.

The Warriors had a rather seamless experience extending Moses Moody on his three-year, $37.5 million rookie extension, and will likely want the same with Podziemski to avoid a situation similar to that of Kuminga.

With Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler all set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, Golden State only has Moody and rookie Will Richard under contract through next year. Therefore, if they truly believe Podziemski can be a core part of their future, they'll want to make sure he's locked in for the long-term.

A price tag remains up in the air, but he's likely closer to signing an extension similar to Moody's rather than other rookie extensions that were handed out over the 2025 offseason (Dyson Daniels, Christian Braun, Shaedon Sharpe, etc.).