Warriors Linked to Polarizing Move for 3-Time All-Star
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Golden State Warriors have been very quiet this offseason and seem to be primarily focused on getting things sorted out with the Jonathan Kuminga drama.
The Warriors are widely viewed as legitimate contenders heading into the 2025-26 NBA campaign thanks to how strong they looked after acquiring Jimmy Butler midway through last year, but there is also no question that they can afford to add another piece.
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We know they have been in on Al Horford in free agency, and there has been some chatter that Horford has agreed to a verbal commitment with Golden State. But until a contract is signed, no one can say anything for sure.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus has connected the Warriors to another former All-Star, although this one is a bit more polarizing than Horford: Ben Simmons. More specifically, Pincus thinks Golden State should add Simmons if Kuminga ultimately does not return.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shouts to his team during their game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Chase Center on January 24, 2024 in San Francisco, California.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr shouts to his team during their game against the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Chase Center on January 24, 2024 in San Francisco, California.
Photo by"Without Kuminga, Golden State needs to fill 2-3 roster spots," Pincus wrote. "Simmons is similar in many ways to Draymond Green. Neither has earned their contracts through individual scoring, but through defense and playmaking. With an elite shooter like Steph Curry and a tough all-around competitor like Jimmy Butler, Golden State is a formidable contender in the Western Conference when healthy."
Simmons played 51 games between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers last season, averaging five points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds over 22 minutes per game while shooting 52 percent from the floor.
There was a time when the 29-year-old was viewed as one of the NBA's brightest young stars during his Philadelphia 76ers days, but his inconsistent scoring ability and back issues sabotaged his ascent.
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Simmons has played in a grand total of 66 games over the last two seasons and hasn't appeared in 60 contests in any one individual campaign since 2018-19, so he definitely comes with significant baggage.
However, if the Warriors are able to sign him on a cheap deal, it might not hurt to give the three-time All-Star a chance.
Simmons owns career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.
For more on the Golden State Warriors and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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