​SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 23: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at Chase Center on February 23, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 29, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Golden State Warriors won 120-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 13: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors drives against Caleb Love #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the second half at Chase Center on January 13, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) GettyThe Golden State Warriors continue to go all-in on Steph Curry. As the aging guard sticks around–with a likely extension looming–there isn’t much focus placed on the future at the moment.The Warriors have a talented guard in Brandin Podziemski who could be a core piece for the long-term, but they haven’t shown him that yet with an extension.While that could change in the near future, Warriors On SI’s Joey Akeley suggests that Golden State should avoid giving Podziemski a notable payday now, dubbing it as the “Jordan Poole mistake.”Warriors Pressured To Avoid Contract Decision With Painful ReminderGettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 29, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Golden State Warriors won 120-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
“It ended up being a regrettable choice,” Akeley recalled about the Warriors paying the big bucks to Jordan Poole, who wasn’t truly a face of the future.Poole was gifted with a $128 million extension from the Warriors, just to be traded shortly after.The Warriors-focused writer suggested that a salary range of $16-$17 million is reasonable, but anything beyond that right now isn’t justified.“Committing that money now limits