After trading for Jimmy Butler at last season’s trade deadline to pair alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors looked like a championship contender.
Unfortunately for Golden State, Curry suffered an injury in Game 1 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves which ultimately led to them being eliminated.
With their star trio returning next season, the Warriors were expected to be extremely active this offseason to upgrade their roster and chase a title, but that has not been the case thus far.
Instead, Golden State has continued to deal with the ongoing situation surrounding restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga which has cost them multiple free agent targets.
Despite this, the Warriors reportedly have multiple deals in place with some key free agents that are expected to be finalized after Kuminga’s situation is resolved.
Warriors emerge as surprise landing spot for Ben Simmons
While that may be the case, the Warriors could also look to sign other free agents this offseason to upgrade their depth and they have recently emerged as a surprise landing spot for former first overall pick Ben Simmons.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings are the known suitors for Simmons in free agency but he mentioned that he would not be surprised to see a different team enter the sweepstakes, including the Warriors.
https://twitter.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1958625230915870747
With Siegel’s report, Golden State could end up stealing Simmons from Boston or New York this offseason as they try to upgrade their bench and chase a championship next season.
The 29-year-old would be a solid fit off the Warriors’ bench as he would give the franchise another great defender and a much-needed playmaker behind Curry in the second unit.
Of course, Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player he once was earlier in his career but he proved last season with the Los Angeles Clippers that he can still play a key role off the bench for a contending team.
Despite this, the former Rookie of the Year winner has had injury problems during his career which may cause the Warriors to pass on him in free agency and instead look elsewhere.
Golden State is also in desperate need of three-point shooting around Curry, Butler and Green and with Simmons working mainly in the paint, other options may be better fits for Golden State this offseason.
