The Golden State Warriors have frequently been mentioned as one of the frontrunners to acquire disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons.
On paper, the move makes sense.
Simmons is a proven floor general and lockdown defender. His shooting weaknesses, in theory, would be masked by Stephen Curry and eventually Klay Thompson.
The composition of Golden State’s roster would create a situation where Simmons’ strengths are amplified and weaknesses are hidden.
There’s just one problem – the Warriors seem pretty down on Simmons as a talent.
Recently team owner Joe Lacob spoke to Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle. He didn’t seem too thrilled by the prospect of acquiring Simmons.
“In some ways, it doesn’t really fit what we’re doing,” said Lacob.
“He makes a lot of money. And, can he finish games? I don’t know. He’s very talented. The problem is: We have Draymond [Green]. Draymond and him are very similar in the sense that neither one really shoots and they do a lot of the playmaking. That’s one issue. The salary structure is another.”
Warriors aside, an interesting new potential suitor for Simmons has emerged over the past 24 hours. Whether something materializes on that front remains to be seen.
Jake Paul is ready for war. https://t.co/PmklEb92K8
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 22, 2021
Meanwhile, the Sixers have already put a plan in place for how they plan to punish Simmons should he actually act on his threat to sit out. They have an asking price in mind for him, and until it’s met, they expect him to play.
How will this saga ultimately play out? Time will tell. But it looks like it will not involve Simmons being dealt to the Warriors.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
