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 dea l 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.

While Kuminga projects to be a future All-Star whose athleticism gives the Warriors a different dimension on both ends of the floor, his fit within Steve Kerr's rotation is less seamless than that of Podziemski. As such, if Golden State is forced to choose between the two young talents , it makes sense the front office would choose the better fit with more cost-controlled years on his contract.