The Golden State Warriors’ failed pursuit of Lauri Markkanen has quietly reopened another debate, and NBA Fans wasted no time dragging Brandin Podziemski into it. According to insider Evan Sidery, the Warriors may finally be softening their stance on the young guard.
“The Warriors appear more open than ever to the idea of including Brandin Podziemski in a trade,” @esidery posted, and that was all NBA Fans needed.
The Warriors appear more open than ever to the idea of including Brandin Podziemski in a trade.
Podziemski, who was ultimately the hold up in a Lauri Markkanen blockbuster deal two years ago, would help Golden State add a much-needed impact player before February’s deadline. pic.twitter.com/VhoN4ubVBa
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 17, 2025

For months, Podziemski was treated like untouchable stock. The idea that he could be part of a deal, especially one tied to a missed opportunity with Markkanen, flipped the tone online fast.
One fan summed it up bluntly. “he was supposed to be the next curry for the franchise tho,” @BronGotGame wrote, turning optimism into sarcasm in one line.
Others looked at it from the other side of the table. “Epic fail in the Warriors part for not trading him. But as a Jazz fan, I am so glad they held on to him,” @NBABoards added, pointing directly at the Markkanen situation.
For NBA Fans, this reaction isn’t just about Podziemski’s play. It’s about expectations. When a young player is hyped early, every missed trade or slow stretch becomes louder. The Warriors betting on development over proven help is a familiar story, but this time, the timing feels off.
The Markkanen talks changed the mood. Suddenly, the same player once protected is now part of open discussion. NBA Fans noticed that shift immediately, and the jokes followed. Podziemski didn’t ask to be labeled the next anything, but online narratives rarely wait for context.
What’s clear is that the conversation around him is heating up. And within the same 24-hour window, another Warriors discussion only poured more fuel on the fire.
Steve Kerr’s Rookie Logic Sparks Debate as NBA Fans Loop Brandin Podziemski Back Into Rotation Drama
Less than a day after trade chatter put Brandin Podziemski back in headlines, NBA Fans found another angle to pile on. This time, it came from Steve Kerr himself.

On a podcast appearance shared by @957thegame, Kerr explained why rookie Will Richard has struggled to see the floor. “It’s been tough not playing [Will Richard] because I’m a huge fan and a believer,” Kerr said. “Right now, frankly he’s sitting because he’s a rookie. I’m honoring what the older guys have done over the years.”
“It’s been tough not playing [Will Richard] because I’m a huge fan and a believer…Right now, frankly he’s sitting because he’s a rookie. I’m honoring what the older guys have done over the years.”
– Steve Kerr on @WillardAndDibs.
🎧 https://t.co/Es5Q9kWxn0 pic.twitter.com/BylSQxC0cz
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 17, 2025
That explanation didn’t sit well with NBA Fans.
One reaction went straight for the comparison. @Sc30pion quoted Kerr, “He’s sitting because he’s a rookie”, and called it “the worst cover up I’ve ever heard in my life.” The post went on to compare minutes and production, pointing out that Podziemski averaged heavy minutes as a rookie, while Richard scored 30 in his lone extended run.
Another fan didn’t bother with numbers. @FleazyBlizy wrote, “LITERALLY SABOTAGING WINS AND WILL RICHARDS GROWTH FOR BUDDY HIELD AND BRANDIN PODZZIMESKI,” turning frustration into all-caps outrage.
For NBA Fans, this discussion connects directly to the earlier trade rumors. Podziemski’s name keeps popping up, whether the topic is roster value, missed trades, or rotation decisions. Even when the conversation starts with Will Richard, it circles back to him.
The timing matters. Within 24 hours, Podziemski went from potential trade piece to symbol of favoritism and stalled opportunity. NBA Fans aren’t separating these debates. To them, it’s one ongoing story about trust, patience, and whether the Warriors are backing the right players at the right time.

For more sports content:
Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for your NBA and college basketball reading fix. You can reach out to Dan Agulto through email at papadanph@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
