The Golden State Warriors are wasting no time reshaping their backcourt this offseason, adding significant scoring depth and secondary creation to support Stephen Curry in what could be a pivotal chapter for the franchise.
According to reports, the Warriors have targeted Chicago Bulls guards Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton as key free agency acquisitions, utilizing the mid-level exception to bring in impactful talent without disrupting their financial flexibility. The moves signal a clear intent: surround Curry with guards who can score, create, and thrive both on and off the ball in Golden State’s motion-heavy system.
Anfernee Simons: Prime Talent Ready for a Bigger Stage
At 26 years old and standing 6-foot-3, Anfernee Simons enters free agency as one of the more intriguing guard options available. After emerging as a standout scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers — posting 21.1 points per game across the 2022-24 seasons and a career-high 22.6 points the following year — Simons has shown he can shoulder offensive responsibility.
Though his role shifted after a move to the Boston Celtics and later a brief stint with the Bulls, where he appeared in just six games before a season-ending injury, his track record as a reliable scorer remains compelling. Simons is coming off the final year of a four-year, $100 million deal originally signed with Portland. His scoring instincts and youth make him a strong complementary piece for Curry, capable of spacing the floor and attacking defenses when the four-time MVP draws constant attention.
Collin Sexton: Efficient Scorer and Value Addition
Joining Simons in the reported pursuit is Collin Sexton, another 6-foot-3 guard entering unrestricted free agency. Sexton, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Utah Jazz via sign-and-trade in 2022, brings proven scoring pedigree from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and efficient production in Utah.
In the 2024-25 season, Sexton averaged 18.4 points per game on strong shooting splits of .480/.406/.865. While his output dipped in a reduced bench role after moving from the Charlotte Hornets to the Bulls, his ability to create off the dribble and finish efficiently makes him a potential steal on a mid-level exception deal.
Strategic Fit for a Competitive Warriors Roster
Both Simons and Sexton address the Warriors’ need for backcourt reinforcements who can alleviate pressure on Curry. Neither player ranks among the league’s elite defenders or rebounders, but Golden State’s system has historically thrived on pace, movement, and perimeter spacing rather than traditional rim protection or size. Their combined $172 million in prior contract value reflects established production without the max-salary demands that would strain the Warriors’ cap situation.
By adding these two guards, Golden State gains scoring punch and secondary playmaking that should help keep the team competitive in a stacked Western Conference. The moves also preserve future flexibility as the franchise continues its pursuit of a potential superstar addition in the coming periods.
With Curry still operating at an elite level, the arrival of Simons and Sexton could inject new energy into the backcourt and provide the kind of help the Warriors have been seeking. As the offseason unfolds, these acquisitions may prove to be exactly what Golden State needs to remain a serious contender.