Warriors Steph Curry replacement Brandin Podziemski trade
Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 15: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City.
The Golden State Warriors remain without Stephen Curry, as he is still sidelined with a concerning knee injury. However, in his place has been Brandin Podziemski, a third-year guard having the best season of his career as Curry’s injury replacement.
While Podziemski has made several comments over the past few weeks that he feels Curry’s injury was a ‘blessing in disguise‘ and that he feels he’s now built to lead a team on his own, questions remain on if he’s a player the Warriors want to keep after this season.
They could sell high on him this summer, in hopes of putting him in a trade for another player that can contribute to winning, because, despite his strong play, Golden State has struggled immensely over the past two months to find wins with Podziemski in the biggest role of his career.
Trading Podziemski is just a thought, but perhaps one the Warriors should entertain.
Warriors Urged To Trade Brandin Podziemski For A Proven Wing
In a recent article on Bleacher Report, Golden State was urged to trade Podziemski for a wing player who, with his play this season, has proven to be the type of asset that the Bay Area franchise could use what expects to be the final chapter of Curry’s career.
Here’s the trade Zach Buckley offered up:
Golden State Warriors receive: Naji Marshall and 2030 second-round pick (via PHI)
Dallas Mavericks receive: Brandin Podziemski
“If Golden State thinks it can still build a contender around Green, Butler and Stephen Curry—a trio that tallied a strong plus-6.9 net rating over 452 minutes this season—it might be OK with just flipping Podziemski for a better fit,” he wrote. “The Dubs could use Marshall’s length and physicality on the perimeter, plus this would allow them to sidestep potentially thorny extension talks with Podziemski.”
After this season, Podziemski will have one year left on his rookie deal and could land a contract extension this summer. However, with the current state of the franchise and their overall fragility amid the Curry injury and the overall uncertain timeline of the rest of his career, signing Podziemski to a new contract that takes up a bunch of cap space might not be the best idea.
It might not be for the biggest return, but Marshall is averaging 15.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 51.7% shooting this year. His three-point shooting leaves a bit to be desired, but he’s a strong defender, exactly what the Warriors need while Jimmy Butler remains out.
Brandin Podziemski On The Warriors This Season
As mentioned, Podziemski has stepped up as Curry’s injury replacement over the past two months, now averaging career-highs across the board as the team’s top offensive option on numerous occasions due to all the health concerns Golden State is facing.
Still, for one reason or another, Podziemski has become a bit polarizing this season in his new elevated role. He’s said that the Warriors’ injuries have been a blessing for him, that he knows he can lead a team on his own based on his recent performances, and even that he wants to be better than Curry.
Those quotes, specifically the last one, have rubbed fans the wrong way, yet that didn’t stop head coach Steve Kerr from stepping in to defend the 23-year-old from criticism.
“Yeah, I understand it,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco. “I mean I don’t see it, but people tell me that so I’m aware of it. And it makes sense. He’s a really interesting, unique player and I think a lot of the reactions from fans, to be blunt, he laid the expectations out there for himself. Like, you know, in the beginning of the year, saying he’s going to be better than Steph.”
Kerr also said that the young guard has some learning to do in terms of how he talks to the media.
But regardless, Podziemski remains a top option for the Warriors as long as Curry remains out. There is no direct timeline for a return for the franchise star, with Kerr recently saying that they’ll get him back when he’s healthy.
Anthony Slater
Steph Curry will remain out tomorrow vs Nets, per source, as he tries to get cleared for a scrimmage setting.
Quick update on NBA Today including the latest on Moses Moody as Warriors assess the extent of damage to his left knee
On the season, Podziemski is averaging 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 44.6% shooting in 73 games. He remains a solid option for Golden State, but the idea of the team trading him this summer when is value is high feels like a possibility.