As the NBA offseason approaches, trade rumors surrounding superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are heating up, but the Golden State Warriors are poised to make waves in both the trade market and free agency. After a second-round playoff exit, the Warriors, bolstered by their midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, showed championship potential with their core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler. However, the team still needs a few key pieces to build a title-contending roster.
While many analysts have suggested the Warriors pursue another superstar like Giannis or bolster their center position with players like Naz Reid or Nikola Vucevic, Sports Illustrated’s Ben Stinar has proposed a surprising alternative: signing former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star Ben Simmons in free agency.
“The Warriors could use more size, rebounding, and playmaking (which are things that Simmons can still do well),” Stinar wrote.
Though Simmons is no longer the star he was during his early years with the Philadelphia 76ers, his performance last season with the Los Angeles Clippers showed he can still be a valuable contributor off the bench. A versatile defender and skilled playmaker, Simmons could serve as a backup to Curry at point guard while also providing much-needed size as a potential backup to Green in the frontcourt.
Signing Simmons on a cost-effective contract could be a savvy move for Golden State, allowing them to preserve cap space to pursue additional roster upgrades. While Simmons may not return to his All-Star form, his defensive prowess and playmaking ability could make him a key piece off the bench for a Warriors team looking to maximize their championship window. If Golden State takes a chance on the former top pick, this bold move could transform their roster and give them the edge they need in the competitive Western Conference.