The Golden State Warriors have spent nearly three years searching for a dynamic young guard to replace the spark Jordan Poole once provided. After trading Poole to the Washington Wizards in the 2023 Chris Paul deal, the franchise has struggled to find a consistent offensive creator who can thrive both on and off the ball. That long search may finally be coming to an end.
According to league sources cited by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors are targeting Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton as key free agency candidates this offseason, with plans to pursue them using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
While the headline-grabbing narrative has often centered on finding “the next Jordan Poole,” Golden State appears ready to pivot toward proven scorers who can inject immediate life into their offense — particularly with Jimmy Butler sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Addressing the Offensive Void
The Warriors ranked just 19th in offensive rating during the most recent season, a clear indication that Stephen Curry, now 38, needs more reliable help when the defense collapses onto him. De’Anthony Melton and Brandin Podziemski offer versatility and fit well within Steve Kerr’s system alongside Curry and Butler, but neither has consistently demonstrated the shot-making or shot-creation ability required to carry the offense when the stars are resting or unavailable.
In contrast, both Simons and Sexton have established themselves as high-volume scorers. Simons has averaged at least 14.3 points per game in each of the past five seasons, while Sexton has hit that mark across all eight years of his career. Both have multiple 20-point-per-game seasons on their résumés, echoing the type of explosive scoring Poole delivered during his peak years in Golden State.
Fit Over Prototype
Neither Simons nor Sexton fits the traditional Warriors mold of elite defenders or high-IQ, multi-positional players that Kerr has historically favored. However, the team’s current needs have shifted. With Curry entering the twilight of his legendary career and Butler working his way back from injury, Golden State requires an offensive spark plug who can create shots in isolation or off the catch — exactly the skill set both players provide.
Sexton, in particular, has earned a reputation as a relentless attacker and scorer off the bench, capable of dropping 24+ points on any given night when given the opportunity. His ability to pressure defenses and punish mismatches could make him the “get-back weapon” Warriors fans have been craving since Poole’s departure.
Strategic Realism in Free Agency
The use of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception shows pragmatism from Warriors management. Rather than overpaying in a bloated guard market or chasing unproven upside, Golden State is zeroing in on cost-effective veterans who have slipped in perceived value as the league trends toward bigger, more versatile wings.
As Siegel noted, Simons and Sexton represent realistic targets who can “play on or off the ball alongside Steph Curry.” Their presence would not only ease Curry’s burden but also provide a legitimate scoring threat for second-unit lineups that have lacked punch in recent seasons.
While Podziemski and Melton will continue to play important roles due to their defensive versatility and basketball IQ, the addition of a dynamic scorer could be the missing piece that helps Golden State remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.
The next chapter of the Warriors’ roster construction is unfolding — and it may not look like the “next Poole,” but rather a battle-tested assassin ready to reignite the offense.