The Golden State Warriors have been quietly plotting their next move in a free agency that’s felt more like a chess game than a spending spree. While the rumor mill has churned out names like Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, and Gary Payton II, the Warriors are zeroing in on two under-the-radar guards who could inject new life into their bench: Seth Curry and Ben Simmons. These low-risk, high-reward targets have the potential to reshape Golden State’s roster and keep them competitive in a brutal Western Conference.
Seth Curry: The Sharpshooting Sibling
Imagine the Chase Center erupting as Stephen Curry drains a trademark deep three, only for his younger brother, Seth Curry, to answer with a silky jumper of his own. The dream of uniting the Curry brothers in Golden State is closer than ever. At 34, Seth is a free agent after a season with the Charlotte Hornets, where he averaged 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and shot an eye-popping 47.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range. His efficiency as a floor-spacer makes him a perfect fit for Steve Kerr’s free-flowing, motion-heavy offense.
The Warriors’ bench offense often sputtered last season when Steph rested, leaving the team desperate for reliable shooting. Seth, with his gravitational pull and quick trigger, could be the antidote. A minimum deal could bring him to the Bay, offering not just a spark of familial chemistry but also a proven marksman who thrives in high-IQ systems. The fanbase would lose it, the locker room would love it, and the Curry brothers sharing the court? That’s a storyline that writes itself.
Ben Simmons: The Redemption Gambit
Then there’s Ben Simmons—a name that sparks as much intrigue as skepticism. The former No. 1 overall pick has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, but at 28 and reportedly healthy, he’s ready to rewrite his narrative. Simmons is open to a minimum contract for the right fit, and the Warriors believe they’re the team to unlock his potential. Last season, across stints with the Nets and Clippers, Simmons posted 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. Hardly All-Star numbers, but his rare combination of size, vision, and defensive versatility still screams upside.
In Golden State, Simmons wouldn’t need to be a scoring star. Picture him as a Draymond Green-lite: pushing the pace in transition, locking down multiple positions, and setting up shooters with pinpoint passes. Kerr’s system thrives on movement and quick decisions, and Simmons’ playmaking could shine alongside the Warriors’ shooters. A low-cost deal makes him a gamble worth taking—a chance to revive a former phenom while bolstering the bench.
The Bigger Picture: A Roster in Flux
The Warriors’ cap constraints leave little room for splashy moves, but Seth Curry and Ben Simmons represent calculated bets to deepen a roster built around Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. With Jonathan Kuminga reportedly set to re-sign only to be traded before the February deadline, the Warriors are clearly playing the long game. Add in whispers of a handshake deal with Al Horford—potentially leaked by Steph himself—and it’s evident that Golden State is gearing up for a second wave of roster tweaks.
Why This Matters
The Warriors aren’t just filling bench spots; they’re sending a message to the Western Conference. Seth Curry’s sharpshooting and Simmons’ Swiss Army knife skill set could give Golden State the depth to stay dangerous. Rivals like the Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets should take note: the Warriors are moving in the shadows, and they’re not done yet.