The Golden State Warriors are wasting no time addressing their glaring backcourt needs this offseason. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s Sam Gordon, one of their top targets is guard Anfernee Simons, a 26-year-old talent entering unrestricted free agency who could become the perfect high-upside addition via the mid-level exception.
Simons, who just wrapped up a four-year, $100 million rookie-scale extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, represents an intriguing opportunity for Golden State. Once viewed as a rising star capable of dropping 20-plus points per game on a consistent basis, Simons brings a dynamic skill set that aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ offensive system.
Standing at 6-3 with a solid build, Simons can operate effectively both on and off the ball. He possesses a quick first step, explosive above-the-rim bounce, and a reliable three-point stroke. This season, while splitting time between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, he averaged 14.3 points per game, shooting 44% from the field and a respectable 38.5% from beyond the arc.
The move would be a calculated gamble for the Warriors, who struggled mightily to generate offense in the absence of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, ultimately missing the playoffs. Adding Simons provides much-needed depth and scoring punch to a backcourt that has been exposed as thin.
What the Warriors Can Offer Simons
Simons is coming off a season in which he earned $27.7 million, but the market for his archetype has cooled somewhat. While still a proven “microwave scorer” capable of catching fire quickly, he no longer commands maximum-level money. The mid-level exception fits neatly into Golden State’s financial picture, offering Simons a chance at a fresh start on a contender without sacrificing significant cap flexibility for the franchise.
In Boston, Simons served as a productive bench contributor across 49 games. His stint in Chicago was limited to just six games due to injuries. Despite the reduced role behind star talent, his track record as a young guard with serious offensive potential remains intact.
For the Warriors, the environment could be ideal. With Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green locked in as the core on big contracts, the MLE is Golden State’s primary vehicle for adding impactful rotation pieces. Simons has the potential to thrive either as a starter or high-minute reserve, forming a lethal backcourt pairing with Curry.
Simons’ Fit in Golden State
Pairing Simons with Stephen Curry could create one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league. Both players excel at shooting off the dribble and off screens, and Simons’ ability to attack closeouts and finish at the rim complements Curry’s gravity as a shooter. Add Jimmy Butler’s two-way presence and scoring versatility, and Golden State’s offense suddenly gains another layer of unpredictability.
Brandin Podziemski showed promising growth this past season when given increased opportunity. Simons would further elevate that backcourt depth, providing another option who can create his own shot or play off the stars.
That said, there are acknowledged limitations. Simons has never been an elite defender or a strong rebounder. The Warriors have long prioritized switchability and physical toughness on that end of the floor. Still, his size and quickness could allow him to hold his own in specific matchups, particularly when flanked by stronger perimeter defenders already on the roster.
As free agency heats up, Simons is unlikely to linger on the open market. Multiple teams will covet his scoring ability and youth on a manageable deal. For the Warriors, landing him would represent a shrewd, high-reward move — one that could immediately elevate their ceiling and give Steph Curry a dynamic sidekick capable of forming an truly unguardable offensive partnership.
Golden State has the pieces. Now it’s about executing the vision. If Simons lands in the Bay Area, the Warriors’ backcourt may never look the same.