The Golden State Warriors have a Stephen Curry problem. It’s not a bad problem — he’s still elite. But it’s a real problem: they need to give him help.
The Warriors’ offense died when Curry sat last season. The ball movement stagnated. The scoring dried up. The defense collapsed. They need a guard who can take pressure off Curry — someone who can create his own shot, run the offense, and keep the ship afloat when the greatest shooter of all time needs a breather.
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors have two targets in mind: Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton.
Both are unrestricted free agents. Both can be had for the mid-level exception. Both are 26 years old and in their prime. And both could be the perfect complement to Curry.
Let me break down why these two make sense, what they’d bring to Golden State, and why the Warriors should be aggressive in pursuing them.
The Warriors’ Cap Situation: Why the MLE Matters
Let me start with the financial reality.
The Warriors are capped out. They have Stephen Curry on a supermax, Jimmy Butler on a big deal, and Draymond Green’s contract. They’re over the luxury tax. They don’t have cap space to throw around.
What they do have is the non-taxpayer mid-level exception — roughly $15 million per year. That’s their primary tool for adding impact free agents.
Simons and Sexton both fit into that range. Neither is a max player. Neither will command $30 million per year. Both can be signed for the MLE or something close to it.
That’s why they’re on Golden State’s radar.
Anfernee Simons: The Scorer
Bulls’ Anfernee Simons
Let me start with the more expensive option.
Anfernee Simons is 26 years old. He’s 6-foot-3. He’s a scoring guard who has averaged over 20 points per game multiple times in his career.
His scoring trajectory:
2022-24: 21.1 points per game
2024-25: Career-high 22.6 points per game
Then he was traded to Boston. His role changed. He came off the bench. His scoring dipped. Then he was traded to Chicago, where he played only six games before being shut down with an injury.
The talent hasn’t disappeared. He just needs the right situation.
What Simons does well:
Shot creation. Simons can create his own shot. He can get a bucket when the offense breaks down.
Three-point shooting. He’s a career 38% shooter from deep. He can play off the ball.
Athleticism. Simons is bouncy. He can finish above the rim.
Age. He’s 26. He’s entering his prime.
What Simons doesn’t do well:
Defense. He’s not a stopper. He’s average at best.
Playmaking. He’s a scorer first, not a true point guard.
Health. He’s missed time in recent seasons.
Collin Sexton: The Efficient Scorer
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Chicago Bulls Star Collin Sexton
Let me talk about the cheaper option.
Collin Sexton is also 26 years old. He’s also 6-foot-3. He’s a scoring guard who had a fantastic run with the Cleveland Cavaliers early in his career.
His efficiency is his calling card. In 2024-25, he averaged 18.4 points per game on .480/.406/.865 shooting splits. That’s elite efficiency for a guard.
This season, Sexton was traded from Charlotte to Chicago. He was reduced to a bench role. His scoring dipped. But the talent — and the efficiency — is still there.
What Sexton does well:
Efficiency. Sexton is a microwave scorer. He can get hot and take over a game.
Shooting. 40% from three over the past two seasons. That’s elite.
Secondary playmaking. He’s not a true point guard, but he can make the right pass.
Competitiveness. Sexton plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s never backed down.
What Sexton doesn’t do well:
Defense. Like Simons, Sexton is not a stopper. He’s small for a two-guard.
Size. 6-foot-3. He’ll get targeted on defense.
Playmaking. He’s a scorer, not a distributor.
The Fit Next to Stephen Curry
Let me talk about how either guard would fit next to Curry.
The Warriors’ system is built on movement, shooting, and decision-making. Curry is at his best when he’s playing off the ball, running off screens, and creating chaos.
Both Simons and Sexton can play on or off the ball. They can spot up in the corner while Curry operates. They can run the pick-and-roll when Curry sits. They can take pressure off the aging superstar.
Neither is a perfect defender. But the Warriors have Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Gary Payton II to cover for them.
The fit works.
The Simons vs. Sexton Debate
Let me compare the two.
Simons is the better pure scorer. He has a higher ceiling. He’s shown he can be a No. 1 option on a bad team.
Sexton is the more efficient player. He’s cheaper. He’s been more consistent from three.
Which one should the Warriors choose? It depends on the price.
If Simons is willing to take the full MLE ($15 million), he’s the pick. If he wants more, the Warriors should pivot to Sexton.
The Injury Concerns
Let me address the elephant in the room.
Simons was shut down last season after playing only six games for the Bulls. He’s had injury issues in the past. That’s a risk.
Sexton has also missed time. He tore his meniscus in 2021-22. He’s been healthy since, but the history is there.
Neither is an iron man. But both are young enough that their best basketball could still be ahead of them.
The Warriors’ Need: Scoring Punch
Let me remind you why the Warriors need this.
When Curry sits, the Warriors’ offense becomes a slog. They don’t have a guard who can create his own shot. They don’t have a secondary scorer who can take over.
Simons and Sexton solve that problem.
Neither is a superstar. But they don’t need to be. They just need to be competent — to keep the offense afloat for the 12-15 minutes a game that Curry rests.
The Big Picture: Chasing a Superstar
Let me zoom out.
The Warriors are still chasing a superstar. They want Giannis. They want LeBron. They want a big name.
But those moves are complicated. They require trades. They require salary matching. They require luck.
Simons and Sexton are free agents. They can be signed without giving up assets. They can be acquired with the MLE.
They’re the backup plan. But they’re a good backup plan.
Final Verdict: Sign One of Them
Here’s my honest take.
The Golden State Warriors should sign either Anfernee Simons or Collin Sexton this offseason. Not both — they can’t afford both. But one of them.
They need a guard who can take pressure off Stephen Curry. They need scoring punch off the bench. They need a player who can run the offense when the greatest shooter of all time needs a rest.
Simons and Sexton are the best options available for the mid-level exception.
The Warriors can’t afford to swing and miss on a superstar. They need a sure thing — or as close to a sure thing as free agency offers.
Simons or Sexton. Either one works.
One thing’s certain: The Warriors will add a guard this offseason. And if they’re smart, that guard will be Anfernee Simons or Collin Sexton.