The Bay Area was begging for a WNBA team. So, when the Golden State Valkyries brand launched last year, the internet did what it does best. It exploded within 24 hours as their social media channels earned 13.9 million impressions, 2.3 million video views, and 720,000 engagements. That’s more digital buzz than any other WNBA team that day–yes, even the Caitlin-Clark powered Indiana Fever.
Now, the season has begun, and fans aren’t just online; they are in line. The team’s inaugural preseason game against the Los Angeles Sparks drew a whopping 18,064 fans to the Chase Center. Even their NBA cousins couldn’t resist showing up. Kevon Looney, Buddy Hield, and Steve Kerr were spotted courtside, soaking in the glory of finally having a women’s basketball team. And Brandin Podziemski? He not only attended the preseason but got even more involved during their second game against the Washington Mystics.
And by involved, we mean Podziemski was in an intense conversation with Brittney Sykes on the courtside. Wearing Kayla Thornton’s No. 5 Valkyries jersey, the NBA star was chirping throughout the game, trash-talking Sykes. She gave it back to him with the same intensity, pointing directly at him with a melting glare. She further remained unfazed, of course, as she went on to score 30 points, though in a losing effort. And the Valkyries opened their account with their first win in the franchise’s short history.
Everyone knows just how bought-in Podziemski is in the Bay Area basketball culture, be it with the Warriors or now with the Valkyries. Unfortunately, not everyone is charmed by that. After the Warriors’ quick playoff exit courtesy of the Timberwolves, some fans have been pushing for Podziemski’s trade like it’s their full-time job. He’s been frequently at the receiving end of criticism, however, so far, the Warriors front office is holding firm.
Trade rumors swirled last offseason, yet Podziemski reassured that he felt secure. “He told me, ‘You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re a priority here,” he said, quoting a conversation with management that clearly stuck with him. But fandoms have good memories and louder opinions.
It seems the fan sentiment on his trade has still not subsided in 2025. If anything, it has only risen after his “desperate” attempt, as many are calling it.
The Bay Area is still rejecting Podziemski
Golden State had a season to forget, losing to the Timberwolves fairly easily. With Steph Curry on the wrong side of 35, they want immediate wins, and Podziemski could fetch them elite players from across the league in a trade scenario. The calls for him to get traded began in his rookie year itself, which does sound a bit cruel. But then, there have been moments. Like last year at the Ball Arena when the Warriors were comfortable with a 10-point lead, but then Brandin chose to intercept a pass from Nikola Jokic, appearing to set up a fast break. However, it quickly turned into an ill-timed left-handed lob—straight to Jamal Murray. Murray wasted no time, flipping the mistake into an assist for Jokic, who scored with ease. After the narrow 119-115 defeat, Steve Kerr didn’t mince words, calling it “frankly insane.”
Hence, even his overwhelming support for the Valkyries was seen like a desperate attempt to get in the Golden State faithfuls good books.
Doing everything to not get traded
— Austin (@austingsw_) May 24, 2025
“Pack your bags, kid,” one fan wrote. Frustration has been boiling up among the Warriors fanbase as they are watching a team with one of the best players in the league struggle and stumble through. However, putting it all on Brandin might be a little too much. He has improved significantly since returning after his abdominal injury. His decisions have become quicker and firmer, leading to plays where he shows all the oomph he has.
“It would’ve been more jumping if we were still in the playoffs. Stop tweeting and get in the gym smfh.” another fan replied to him. Yes, his last season was filled with ups and downs as he struggled to find his rhythm and shot. But after the Butler trade moved him to the two-guard slot, he averaged 15 points per game to end the regular season and showed off some impressive shot-making and quick passing instincts. Despite that, the expectations from the fans are even higher.
Yet, it is true that he didn’t step up when he was needed the most i.e. in the playoffs when Curry was sidelined. His best game of his career did come up in Game 5 but it was too late by then. Yet, again, this was his first postseason basketball taste and he’s definitely picked more than a thing or two to return with later. “There’s obviously a bunch of stuff that I need to work on, that I was able to see what I need to work on during these playoffs,” Podziemski said. “It gives me some framework of what I need to do in the offseason to help the team get to another level.”
“Enjoy Milwaukee,” wrote another fan. Giannis Antetokounmpo is definitely someone the Warriors are looking at, and he is someone who will work on both ends of the court and be a formidable partner to Curry. Giannis would be a transformative addition, significantly elevating the Warriors’ championship aspirations. It wouldn’t happen that easily, and it would take a lot more than just Podziemski to convince the Bucks.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Golden State Warriors possess the necessary assets to make a serious run at acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo—if the two-time MVP were to request a trade and specifically identify Golden State as his preferred destination. Windhorst emphasized that such a scenario remains speculative, as Giannis has not publicly requested a move. However, should that change, the Warriors are one of the few franchises positioned to build a compelling package. A hypothetical deal, as outlined by Windhorst, would likely center around promising young talent and future draft capital. This would almost certainly include Brandin Podziemski along with additional players and multiple first-round picks.
So, yes, his support for the Valkyries is seen as more of a marketing gimmick to make the fans love him more, rather than genuine support. Not everyone’s buying his support. This hate could be more driven by emotions rather than logic, considering their recent heartbreaking loss. Anyway, the Valkyries are playing an exciting brand of basketball, and the whole region is behind them. They are the first team in the WNBA to sell more than 10,000 season tickets. Although this might not turn out to be a particularly spectacular season performance-wise, building an identity and a style will be their first priority.
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