The NBA free agency period, now over a month old, is still buzzing with intrigue as several high-profile veterans, including Al Horford, Russell Westbrook, and Amir Coffey, remain unsigned. But it’s the potential next move for former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons that’s stealing the spotlight and setting social media ablaze.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus recently dropped a bombshell in his ranking of the top 10 minimum-contract free agents still available, placing Simmons at No. 4. The former All-Star, whose max contract with the Brooklyn Nets feels like a distant memory, is now at a career crossroads. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, where he averaged a modest 2.9 points and 3.1 assists in 18 games, Simmons saw his role shrink in the playoffs, overshadowed by new additions like John Collins and Chris Paul. With the Clippers unlikely to re-sign him, the question on everyone’s mind is: where will Ben Simmons land next?
In a twist that has fans buzzing, Pincus pointed to the Golden State Warriors as a potential landing spot for the 29-year-old Australian. He suggested Simmons could thrive in a “reserve Draymond Green-like role,” leveraging his elite playmaking and defensive versatility. The Warriors, fresh off a 48-34 season and a Western Conference Semifinals appearance, boast a guard rotation led by Stephen Curry, alongside Brandin Podziemski, Pat Spencer, Moses Moody, and Taran Armstrong. While their backcourt isn’t deep, their championship pedigree means Simmons wouldn’t need to carry the load—just contribute in a low-pressure, high-impact role.
The idea of Simmons joining the Warriors has sparked a frenzy online. Fans are divided: some see him as the missing piece to bolster Golden State’s bench, while others question whether his injury history and inconsistent offensive game fit a team eyeing a 2026 playoff push. “Ben Simmons passing to Steph Curry? That’s a scary thought!” one fan tweeted, while another countered, “He can’t stay healthy—Warriors don’t need that risk!”
Simmons’ journey to this point has been a rollercoaster. Once the crown jewel of the 76ers, Simmons dazzled in his four-year stint, earning three All-Star nods and the 2018 Rookie of the Year award. His blend of size, speed, and court vision made him a generational talent. But since leaving Philadelphia in 2022, injuries have derailed his career. A nagging lower back injury limited him to just 15 games with the Nets in 2024, and he hasn’t played more than 50 games in a season since his Philly days.
Despite the setbacks, Simmons’ potential remains tantalizing. His ability to facilitate, defend multiple positions, and push the pace could make him a steal on a minimum deal—if he can stay healthy.
While the Warriors’ interest has fans buzzing, recent reports suggest the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are also in hot pursuit. Both teams offer unique opportunities: the Celtics, fresh off a championship, could use Simmons’ playmaking off the bench, while the Knicks might see him as a versatile piece in their gritty, defense-first system. Either way, league insiders expect Simmons to sign before the 2025-26 season tips off.
At 29, Simmons is at a pivotal moment. A team like the Warriors, with their fast-paced, pass-heavy system, could be the perfect place to resurrect his career. Playing alongside Curry and under Steve Kerr’s coaching, Simmons could rediscover the form that once made him a household name. But with interest from powerhouses like Boston and New York, the race for his signature is heating up.