The Golden State Warriors’ reported Ben Simmons interest may not be dead yet, even with Simmons now headed to the Sacramento Kings.
That twist matters because, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto earlier in the week, Simmons’ deal with Sacramento is completely non-guaranteed until opening night. In other words, the door is still cracked open for Golden State to circle back on the 30-year-old later on.
Simmons is set to make $1 million of his $3.5 million contract if he earns a spot on the Kings’ opening night roster. That seems likely, but it will still come down to how he looks in training camp and preseason.
For the Warriors, the bigger story is what happens after that. If Simmons turns in a bounce-back season in Sacramento and reclaims his value as a rotation piece, Golden State could easily revisit the idea next summer. The team’s reported interest suggested it saw a possible fit in his size, ball-handling and defensive versatility, and it also hinted at optimism that he can work through the physical and mental issues that have derailed his career in recent years.
Sacramento may also offer a different setting for him. Simmons would not face the same pressure he dealt with with the Philadelphia 76ers, or even in his more recent stops with the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers.
There’s also the Draymond Green angle, which makes this even more intriguing. Simmons and Green both bring very little scoring, so the fit is a natural question. If the Warriors are already thinking about moving on from Green within the next 12 months, then Simmons becomes a much more realistic target, especially if he rebuilds some value with the Kings.
Green’s $27.7 million contract could become part of that equation by the mid-season trade deadline. If Golden State does go that route, and Simmons is available again after showing something in Sacramento, the Warriors may have a clear path to take another swing.
For now, he remains a player to watch - and one the Warriors may not be done thinking about.
In Other News...
Steve Kerr Just Reopened A Warriors Debate Fans Never Expected
Steve Kerr did not exactly close the door on one of the most surprising what-ifs around the Warriors. Even with years of Finals baggage between the sides, Kerr made clear he would have been open to the idea of LeBron James wearing Golden State colors, a stance that sits a little differently with a fan base that remembers every twist of that rivalry. The concept never moved beyond the realm of possibility, but it was still notable to hear Kerr frame it as something he could support rather than dismiss outright.
The larger reality, though, was always about fit and timing, and the Warriors were never in a position to offer James the clearest road to another title run. He ended up with the Philadelphia 76ers instead, leaving Golden State to keep navigating an older roster and the ongoing strain of key players being out. It is the kind of conversation that reopens old arguments without changing the present, but it does underline how the Warriors keep searching for answers as the roster turns over around Curry and Kerr. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Send An Early Roster Signal Fans Probably Didnt Expect
The Warriors last round of additions already offered an early glimpse at how they may be sorting out the back end of the roster. Brandon Williams and Georges Niang were both signed last month, but the path each player took into camp looks very different. Williams had a strong season in Dallas, while Niang is coming off an injury-riddled year that kept him out entirely, which is why the paperwork attached to the two signings stood out so much.
Golden States choice to favor Niang in that setup was a bit of a head-scratcher on the surface, especially given how little he has played recently. It has created a small but meaningful roster and payroll wrinkle for a team that usually leaves itself little room for missteps, and it puts extra attention on how the Warriors manage the rest of the roster from here. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Are Watching One Orlando Situation For A Much Bigger Reason
The Warriors are keeping a close eye on Orlandos offseason business because contract negotiations can quickly turn into future trade clues. Anthony Black is in the middle of extension talks with the Magic, and the way that deal is handled could matter well beyond Central Florida for a Golden State front office that is always scanning for the next opportunity to reshape its roster. Orlando also enters the year with a new coach in Sean Sweeney, along with expiring contracts and draft capital that could give the team flexibility if it decides to adjust on the fly.
From the Warriors side, the real intrigue is whether Orlando looks steady enough to keep its current core intact or shaky enough to invite bigger roster questions later. If the Magic stumble early, their direction could become one of the more closely watched situations in the league, especially for a Golden State team that may be looking ahead to next summer as much as the season in front of it. [Read more 🡒]