“Desperate trades or desperate moves that deplete the future, there is a responsibility on allowing or keeping the franchise in a good space and good spot when it comes to where we leave this thing when we’re done”. As discussion on a potential trade took place at the end of January, Stephen Curry put out this major request. After all, while looking to jump back from a poor win record was important, it should not come at the expense of trading away young players, aka the Warriors’ future.

Nevertheless, the GSW front office went ahead and acquired Jimmy Butler, which cost the team Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round pick. Now, from what Joe Lacob has revealed, even key role players like Kevon Looney—or younger talents like Brandin Podziemski—could be part of future moves.

The Golden State Warriors owner recently gave an interview to The TK Show. During the conversation, Lacob was asked about Butler’s acquisition by questioning whether there was some consideration to “duck under the luxury tax”, bide one’s time and do something big when July comes. The 69-year-old revealed that even if the team did not delay a big move by July, it does not mean that more aren’t coming. After all, the Butler acquisition has yielded some good results, right?

Unfortunately, engaging in another big trade would jeopardize the future of several players. If Lacob is to be believed, then the Bay Area is being careful about selecting which player to sacrifice.

“Obviously we had some very large discussions. We went after, at least had discussions, to explore a number of players. It’s been reported, I don’t think inaccurately, it’s accurate. And we’re trying to do something significant,” said Lacob. “If you’re going to do something, let’s do something significant. And if we could do it, great. If not, then we have to play it out and see what happens this summer. It’s easier, I think, generally, to do something in the summer than it is at the trade deadline. There’s just more optionality. But to be honest with you, Tim, we’re always looking. This is no different.”

Joe Lacob’s remarks did not indicate which Warriors player would face the guillotine. Unfortunately, at this point, all signs point to Podziemski and Looney. Podz has been at the deep end of trade rumors since November 2024, even when the Warriors were turning heads with their 10-2 win record.

Brett Siegel had reportedly deemed the 22-year-old shooting guard ‘untouchable’ last season. Unfortunately, the fall in his stats during the early part of the ongoing season prompted a change. Furthermore, with Jimmy Butler now with the Warriors, the offense is pretty much under control.

As for Kevon Looney, even the longtime Warriors Center/Power Forward was not immune to trade discussions. However, the initial rumors linked Looney’s potential shift as more of a financial decision than a strategic one. The player is currently playing under a 3-year, $22.5 million contract. By January 2025, the Warriors were reportedly $5.7 million over the luxury tax line and occupying the 11 seed on the Western Conference Points table.

Therefore, incurring a penalty for a low-seeding team could have been avoided by cutting ties with Looney and retaining some money. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic even proposed that Kevon Looney could be sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would help establish a memorable starting frontcourt with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

However, neither of the two players was included in the trade deal that allowed the Warriors to acquire Jimmy Butler. That said, Joe Lacob has now indicated that changes are set to be there in the future. Therefore, both Brandin Podziemski and Kevon Looney are at risk of being traded next. Any move would certainly come as a big blow to the shooting guard, especially after the reassurances he had received from the team owner.

After Klay Thompson’s exit, Joe Lacob assured Brandin Podziemski about his position within the franchise: “You’re a priority there”

Klay Thompson’s shocking exit from the Golden State Warriors proved one thing. It showed that no one is safe. After all, if the front office couldn’t work out a deal to keep a 13-year-long veteran and a member of the ‘Golden Trio’ that won the team 4 NBA championships, then where would everyone else stand? More specifically, where would Brandin Podziemski stand? This thought crossed the player’s mind too, leading him to go out in search of reassurances.

Back in August, The New York Times published an interview it did with Podziemski. According to it, the player met Joe Lacob during a Las Vegas Aces game. The meeting took place around the same time that speculation placed Podziemski as the Utah Jazz’s next potential acquisition.

Fortunately, as the shooting guard revealed “He (Lacob) 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.”

Do you think that Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody have a chance of being traded off? Let us know in the comments below.