As the NBA offseason looms, the Golden State Warriors are poised to make waves in both the trade market and free agency following their second-round playoff exit. Despite a strong second half of the season, bolstered by the acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat to complement Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors still lack the pieces needed for a championship-caliber roster. With superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant dominating trade rumors, Golden State is also eyeing a surprising free-agent target: former No. 1 overall pick and three-time All-Star Ben Simmons.
Sports Illustrated’s Ben Stinar recently made a compelling case for the Warriors to pursue Simmons in free agency. “The Warriors could use more size, rebounding, and playmaking (which are things that Simmons can still do well),” Stinar noted. While Simmons is no longer the electrifying star he was during his early years with the Philadelphia 76ers, his performance last season as a key bench player for the Los Angeles Clippers showed he still has value as a versatile contributor.
Simmons, known for his elite defense and playmaking, 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. His ability to facilitate and defend multiple positions makes him an intriguing fit for Golden State’s system, particularly if they can secure him on a cost-effective contract. A budget-friendly deal for Simmons would allow the Warriors to allocate resources toward other roster upgrades, such as pursuing a star like Giannis or bolstering their center position with players like Naz Reid or Nikola Vucevic.
Though Simmons’ career has been marred by injuries and off-court controversies, his skill set could make him a valuable asset off the bench for a Warriors team looking to maximize their championship window. If Golden State takes a chance on the former top pick, they could unlock a unique combination of size, defense, and playmaking to complement their star-studded core. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on the Warriors to see if they pull the trigger on this bold move.