Warriors extend Brandin Podziemski on five-year deal

Three separate stories from around the NBA highlight a major contract extension, preseason impressions, and locker room dynamics. The Golden State Warriors secured a young guard for their future, the New York Knicks are encouraged by a veteran's voice, and the Minnesota Timberwolves are benefiting from a star's cheerful demeanor.

Podziemski's Warriors Extension

The Golden State Warriors and guard Brandin Podziemski agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract extension on Saturday. The 23-year-old, who was the 19th overall pick, averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while playing all 82 games last season.

This deal provides stability for Podziemski, who avoided the uncertainties of restricted free agency next summer. For the Warriors, the extension maintains key financial flexibility for their stated goal of pursuing another championship with Stephen Curry. The first year of Podziemski's new contract will reportedly start at $18.9 million, which is only $1.9 million more than his pre-extension cap hold for next summer. This minimal increase preserves most of the cap space Golden State cleared through Curry's own team-friendly extension earlier this offseason.

Because the extension does not kick in until the 2026-27 league year, it does not affect the Warriors' finances for the upcoming trade deadline. The commitment likely means Podziemski will not be included in any mid-season trades. The team could still create up to $60 million in cap space next summer, though their final spending power will depend on decisions regarding the free agencies of Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

Drummond's Vocal Presence

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown is impressed with new backup center Andre Drummond's communication on defense. The 33-year-old Drummond, who signed a veteran minimum deal, recorded four points, four rebounds, and three blocks in 12 preseason minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

Brown emphasized that Drummond's vocal leadership was more significant than his stat line. "His communication right now is unbelievable," Brown said, comparing Drummond's defensive quarterbacking to that of Draymond Green. The coach acknowledged the Knicks lost that preseason game and were outscored with Drummond on the floor, but he found the veteran's presence exciting for the season ahead. Drummond, a two-time All-Star entering his 15th season, is on his seventh NBA team and is expected to back up Karl-Anthony Towns.

Brown also noted that young players like Mohamed Diawara and Pacome Dadiet, who are not traditional centers, are eager learners who could develop behind Drummond. He said both are long, talented, and had shown positive signs during the preseason.

Ball's Mood in Minnesota

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch says LaMelo Ball's positive attitude has significantly improved the team's locker room spirit. Finch stated that Ball and Anthony Edwards share a reflective joy that is hard to stay mad at, which teases joy out of the group during practice.

The Timberwolves, who made the Western Conference finals in 2024 and 2025 and the second round in 2026, had been described as a moody team in recent seasons. Finch suggested that dynamic has changed this fall. "We've traded moodiness for giddiness, so we've got to kind of get back to some sort of equilibrium," the coach said. He added that it has been fun to go to work every day so far.

In other Western Conference notes, guard Jordan McLaughlin re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs on a minimum contract after briefly considering other teams. Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault discussed his advisory role in roster decisions, which are ultimately made by executive Sam Presti. The New Orleans Pelicans are formally listing Jordan Dumars, son of executive Joe Dumars, as an executive advisor for the 2026-27 season.