The Warriors are making the right choice with Brandin Podziemski

Brandin Podziemski capped an exceptional rookie season with the Golden State Warriors by being named to the All-Rookie first team. The impressive wing played in 74 regular-season games for Golden State, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

Since the beginning of the offseason, the Warriors have been linked to a potential trade for Lauri Markkanen. Recent reports have cited the Utah Jazz wanting a possible deal centered around Podziemski. 

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, though, Golden State is more likely to part with Jonathan Kuminga than their All-Rookie talent in any potential move.

"There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski," Stein reported via his Substack on Sunday. "To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State's offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga."

Positioning Podziemski as untouchable is smart business by Joe Lacob and Mike Dunleavy Jr. The 21-year-old has incredible potential and has already proven capable of sharing a court with Steph Curry and Draymond Green. His ability to operate as an on-ball creator or off-ball scoring threat ensures Steve Kerr has a versatile rotation at his disposal. 

Should the Warriors opt to make Kuminga available in a potential trade, it would represent a pivot away from their strong stance on his future earlier this year. According to The Athletic's Anthony Slater, the Warriors had made their third-year forward off limits at the Feb. 8 trade deadline.