Ben Simmons has been floated as a possible trade target for the Golden State Warriors, but the Dubs aren't exactly chomping at the bit to acquire him.
Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reported people within the Warriors organization have not expressed much of a desire to trade for Simmons. He also noted Dubs governor Joe Lacob recently said Golden State is not all that intent on adding a third star:
“Talking to a few people in the organization, the Warriors are not licking their chops to get their hands on Simmons,” Thompson said. “The team has its eyes on better fits, perhaps even better players, and they’d likely exhaust those first. And if you believe Joe Lacob on The TK Show, they aren’t exactly thirsting to add a star. (Obviously, Lacob said exactly what he’s supposed to say.)”
There are reasons acquiring Simmons makes tons of sense for the Warriors.
Golden State grappled with drafting LaMelo Ball last fall in part because of his size, length and playmaking at the guard spot. Simmons offers all of those things. He might not be a score-first guy, but he creates opportunities in transition and can see over defenses while settling into the dunker spot. Simmons would also make an already strong Warriors defense that much better.
However, other elements point to Simmons being the wrong fit for Golden State. He offers zero spacing because of his inability to shoot, and it doesn't make a ton of sense to acquire that kind of archetype with Draymond Green also on the floor. Not to mention, Green already fills a need as a playmaker who can handle the ball and operate in pick-and-roll.
Perhaps the Warriors will look to add a shot-creator in the backcourt or on the wing via the upcoming draft. Maybe they will pursue a star.
Regardless, Simmons doesn't appear to be in the cards for Golden State.
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