Brandin Podziemski ready to repay Warriors for not trading him

This summer, the Warriors passed up the opportunity to acquire Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen to hold onto second-year guard Brandin Podziemski.

That they picked a "prospective" star for a proven one was indicative of the expectations the Warriors have pinned on Podziemski, who averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists as a rookie last season.

Now, it's Podziemski's turn to repay that faith and prove why he's worth the hype. In an interview with The Athletic's Anthony Slater , the southpaw got candid about his conversations with Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. when the Jazz and other teams inquired about his availability via trade.

"A lot of these other teams are calling about you," Podziemski said Dunleavy told him. "They want you, but you're not going anywhere. You're ours. He told me, 'You don't have anything to worry about. You're a priority here.' I appreciate that, being a rookie and going into my second year, hearing that from such a prestigious organization. It feels good. I'm wanted somewhere. So, I appreciate them."

Podziemski further thanked the Warriors for being "transparent" with him during their pursuit of both Markkanen and Paul George at various points in the offseason. According to several insiders, the Clippers insisted on receiving both Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga for George, only to be shot down by Golden State.

One thing is for certain: the Warriors placing the "untouchable" tag on Podziemski and team governor Joe Lacob declaring him "a future All-Star" only heightens the pressure on the young player.

Yet, Podziemski is unwilling to let the new burden of expectations get to him. The 21-year-old admitted that many fans on social media blame him for the Warriors not landing Markkanen.

"...Now that the trade didn't go through, people on social media look at it like it's my fault. I don't have anything to do with it. But it's cool," Podziemski said of the nixed Markkanen trade.

All Podziemski can do is let his game do the talking. With Klay Thompson and Chris Paul no longer on the squad, he is ready to embrace more ball-handling and playmaking responsibilities.

"I think I'm more than capable of doing that," said the confident youngster of his increased role.