After a pretty dreadful run in the 2021 playoffs, it sounds like the relationship between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers has deteriorated. A new report pegs the Golden State Warriors as a team that Simmons is interested in.
Of course, Simmons has limited control over his situation. While the 76ers have reportedly shopped him, it has been said that they’re asking for a wild James Harden-like return for him.
Simmons is one of the NBA’s most valuable defenders and a top playmaker. His complete inability to shoot the ball is a major issue though, and it is hard to see Philly getting anything close to what the Brooklyn Nets gave the Houston Rockets during the 2020-21 season for Harden.
The Warriors are an interesting fit, though. The team, which just locked up Stephen Curry on a massive extension, is in win-now mode. The team brings back Klay Thompson from injury. Adding Simmons would give them three of the most versatile defenders in the NBA, along with Thompson and Draymond Green.
Source: Ben Simmons has cut off communication with basically everyone in the Sixers organization. Everything is going thru his agent, Rich Paul. Ben is open to going to the GSWs though he doesn’t have much leverage in the situation.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) August 5, 2021
There may be no team better suited to mask Simmons’ offensive difficiences than Golden State, either. Curry and Thompson space the floor as well as anyone in the NBA. There’d be little pressure for Simmons to provide outside shooting or be a primary offensive option.
Fans are pretty divided on the perspective move for Simmons and Golden State, and people don’t seem impressed with him “cutting off communication” with Philly:
Please give me Simmons on the Warriors. I’m fascinated to see what an offense with the NBA’s 2 best shooters and also 2 of the league’s worst shooters looks like. https://t.co/iJztD2FCnf
— Anthony Riccobono (@Tony_Riccobono) August 5, 2021
Ghosting your employer > https://t.co/dhfhneXx0n
— kyle (@knicks_tape99) August 5, 2021
I am one of the few who think Simmons isn’t as bad as people talk about him and he’s still really good..
But with that being said I don’t want him anywhere near the warriors.
— AB (@00Abet) August 5, 2021
What did the 76ers expect with all the disrespect and trade chatter….. Ben Simmons to the warriors make it happen https://t.co/uhyDIAoARL
— coachBLilly (@BLilly1985) August 5, 2021
we would make him a monster … @SteveKerr make it happen captain 🤝 https://t.co/WcsWPpWLgu
— Black Trap Tha Label 🏴☠️ (@xLilRayy_) August 5, 2021
This isn’t the first we’ve heard on the Ben Simmons and Golden State Warriors front. A week ago, it was reported that the Warriors turned down a pretty jarring offer from Philadelphia before the 2021 NBA Draft: James Wiseman, Andrew Wiggins, the Nos. 7 and 14 picks in the first round and two future first-round picks.
The Warriors wound up taking Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody with those respective picks. We’ll see if they’re able to find a more feasible move with Philly, but as of now, it seems like the 76ers are holding firm on that huge return.
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