The Golden State Warriors have been long linked with a potential trade for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, as they’re trying to improve their roster ahead of the 2024-25 season. According to reports, the Utah Jazz were willing to trade Markkanen to the Bay Area if the Golden State Warriors included Brandin Podziemski in the package.
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But in the end, neither side has agreed, as the Golden State Warriors want to keep Podziemski in the long run, and the Utah Jazz have agreed to a new lucrative extension with Markkanen.
Now that the dust has settled, Brandin Podziemski kept it real when asked about the trade rumors during a recent episode of The Dinner Table podcast.
“If I’m in a Warriors uniform or if I’m in a different uniform come October, that’s where I’ll be. Training camp starts October 1, so whatever group of guys I’m with is the ones I got to win with, so that’s just kind of how I look at it. I don’t really look too much into where I’m going to be or where I’m not going to be,” Podziemski said.
“No one likes to admit it, but everybody sees the good and the bad. For me, I think the bad can just be used as motivation. Obviously, my name has been in the Markkanen trade a lot, so if the trade doesn’t go through and I’m still here, to have a good second year and be like, ‘Good thing we didn’t trade him,’ would be cool for me,” he added.
Brandin Podziemski is deemed “untouchable” for the Golden State Warriors
Brandin Podziemski is expected to have an elevated role with the Golden State Warriors next season following Klay Thompson’s transfer to the Dallas Mavericks this summer.
The 21-year-old combo guard made it to the 2024 NBA All-Rookie First Team after averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 45.4 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range. He also led the league in charges drawn, with 26.
