The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2025 free agency period as one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams, with only nine players currently under contract for the upcoming season and the Jonathan Kuminga situation still unresolved. Having made no significant moves in the past week, the Warriors are poised to be linked with a variety of names to fill their remaining roster spots, even if they manage to secure Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and retain Kuminga.
Among the names floating around, 3x All-Star Ben Simmons has emerged as a potential target for Golden State. Despite no confirmed reports of mutual interest, the Warriors have been repeatedly mentioned as an ideal landing spot for the 28-year-old unrestricted free agent. Simmons, who averaged just 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes per game with the L.A. Clippers last season, is not expected to return to the franchise. Interest in the Australian has been scarce, with only brief mentions of the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors showing fleeting attention last week. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Simmons is reportedly seeking more than a minimum contract, a demand that may be overly optimistic given the limited financial flexibility in the current free agency market.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, in his evaluation of the top 25 remaining free agents, highlighted the Warriors as a potential fit for Simmons. He suggested that the 6’10” ball-handler could serve as a playmaker and high-level defender behind Draymond Green. The idea of Simmons as a Green-like facilitator has been echoed by others, including Ben Stinar of Sports Illustrated in early June and Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area just before free agency began. Adding a player with Simmons’ skill set could provide valuable depth during the regular season, especially considering the wear and tear on the 35-year-old Green’s body after a storied career. The Warriors could also benefit from Simmons’ size, provided they surround him with enough shooting to compensate for his lack of scoring threat.
However, integrating Simmons into the Warriors’ roster presents challenges. Playing Simmons alongside Green would be nearly impossible due to their overlapping skill sets and lack of shooting, which would likely limit Simmons’ minutes when Green is healthy. This issue becomes even more complex if the Warriors retain Kuminga, potentially reducing Simmons’ role further and making Golden State a less appealing destination for a player looking to revitalize his career.
As the Warriors navigate free agency, the possibility of adding a talent like Simmons raises questions about the team’s long-term vision. Could the former All-Star’s arrival signal a shift away from the Draymond Green era, or would it simply provide a complementary piece to keep Golden State competitive? Only time will tell, but the Warriors’ next moves will undoubtedly shape the narrative for the upcoming season.