NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors to Hold on 'Very Tightly' to Podziemski, Kuminga, More

The Golden State Warriors plan to hold on "very tightly" to young players including Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, sources told ESPN's Kendra Andrews.

"The Warriors are holding high value in their younger pieces, sources told ESPN, including Podziemski and fourth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga," Andrews reported.

Andrews continued: "Any trade incorporating either player would have to help with the long-term success of the team more than they would, sources added. Golden State intends to hold onto those players 'very tightly' and anything to loosen the grip on them would have to be an 'overwhelming offer.'"

Podziemski has three more years under club control remaining on his rookie contract, while Kuminga is under team control before he is set to hit restricted free agency in 2025.

Podziemski averaged over 26 minutes per game 74 appearances last season, including 28 starts, in his rookie Warriors season. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game and could slot in as either a starter or sixth man this fall.

His value to the Warriors, which The Athletic's Anthony Slater already reported in August "appears to supersede the external reputation," might have increased now that Steph Curry's longtime backcourt partner Klay Thompson has moved on to the Dallas Mavericks.

Kuminga put up similar minutes to Podziemski in 74 appearances with 46 starts. His breakout third NBA season saw him put up a career-high 16.1 points per game while adding 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

He seems likely to have a starting role at the beginning of next season, which would necessitate the Warriors bringing back another top-five player in any trade that sends him away from Golden State.

The value the Warriors see in both players is clear in the trade offers they have reportedly been making to other teams. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that although Golden State is "the league's most ardent" suitor for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, the team's offers had not yet included Podizemski or Kuminga.

Stein previously reported that the Warriors would be "more willing" to part with Kuminga than 21-year-old Podziemski, but apparently not enough to put him on the trade block for the chance to add a frontcourt starter in Markkanen.

Despite both young players' high trade value, it seems there is a good chance both start the season still in the Bay Area as the Warriors look to return to the playoff picture in 2025.