Brandin Podziemski spent most of the summer watching his name circulate in trade rumors. Golden State Warriors The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in acquiring Paul George and Lauri Markkanen at various points this offseason, with Podziemski a rumored target for both the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz as part of a potential trade package.
In a recent interview with Anthony Slater of the Athletic, Podziemski revealed that Warriors Owner Joe Lacob had assured him that a trade was out of the question. The conversation took place when the two men ran into each other at a Las Vegas Aces game. Podziemski was in Vegas for Summer League.
“He told me, ‘You have nothing to worry about. You’re a priority here,’” Podziemski said. “I appreciate that, being a rookie going into my second year, to hear that from such a prestigious organization. It feels good. I’m wanted somewhere. So, I appreciate them.”
Lacob’s comments indicate that Golden State wants to build around Podziemski going forward. His strong rookie season quickly allowed him to emerge as a piece of the franchise’s long-term future alongside Jonathan Kuminga. Golden State has spent the last few years straddling two development timelines, and now that patience is starting to pay off.
So it makes sense that Lacob would want to keep his top young talent, especially since Steph Curry and Draymond Green are both firmly in the final stretch of their historic careers.
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This article was originally published on Warriors Wire: Joe Lacob assured Brandin Podziemski that he will not be traded this summer.
