NBA Cap Expert Floats Intriguing Draymond Green Backup Option
The Golden State Warriors remain the only NBA team that has yet to sign a veteran free agent this offseason, continuing to navigate the uncertainty surrounding restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
As of mid-August, the Warriors have just nine players under contract, leaving them limited options in a market where several high-profile free agents remain unsigned. Among them is former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, whose name has surfaced as an interesting fit in Golden State, according to Bleacher Report salary cap expert Eric Pincus.
“Simmons is similar in many ways to Draymond Green,” Pincus wrote. “Neither has earned their contracts through individual scoring, but through defense and playmaking. With an elite shooter like Steph Curry and a tough all-around competitor like Jimmy Butler, Golden State is a formidable contender in the Western Conference when healthy.”
Ben Simmons as Draymond Green’s Backup?
GettyBen Simmons could be an intriguing free agent option for the Golden State Warriors.
Pincus noted a key difference between Simmons and Green: Green is willing to take outside shots, make or miss, whereas Simmons has struggled with perimeter shooting.
Simmons’ career trajectory has been a dramatic fall from grace. The 6-foot-10, three-time All-Star has struggled since leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, dealing with mental health issues and persistent back concerns.
His final two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers were underwhelming, marked by limited production and sporadic playing time. Last season, he averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists in 33 games with Brooklyn and posted career lows of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in just 17 games for the Clippers.
Despite these setbacks, Simmons’ size and playmaking ability could address Golden State’s defensive and rebounding needs.
Bargain Deal
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints projects Simmons can be had at a bargain price, noting his skill set could complement the Warriors’ roster outside of Curry.
“As for Simmons, he is expected to be a minimum-contract player during the 2025-26 season. Throughout his career, the former first-overall pick has thrived in systems where there are viable, reliable shooters around him. After being a rumored Warriors target in the past, Simmons could give Golden State everything they need in terms of height, rebounding, and playmaking outside of Steph,” Siegel wrote on July 12.
Before considering additions like Simmons, however, the Warriors must resolve Kuminga’s contract situation.
Pincus emphasized that retaining Kuminga would raise payroll significantly, while losing him could leave more roster spots open.
“If the team retains the restricted free agent, the payroll will be significantly higher than if he leaves outright (though a sign-and-trade could also increase salary). The team is believed to have deals in place with Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, but first must let the Kuminga saga play out,” Pincus wrote. “Without Kuminga, Golden State needs to fill 2-3 roster spots.”
Warriors GM Outlines Offseason Needs
Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. underscored the team’s offseason focus.
“We feel like we have a group going forward that’s going to be pretty good. What do we need to add? I think from that standpoint, we want to look to the frontcourt to add some shooting, in the backcourt some defense,” Dunleavy told ESPN’s Katie George in July. “Offensively, guys that can shoot, pass and dribble. There’s tons of needs, but I think we’ve zeroed in on some areas we can address.”
With Simmons’ All-Defensive First Team credentials and playmaking skills, he could serve as a versatile backup to Green, shoring up Golden State’s defense while the team waits for clarity on Kuminga’s next move. For now, the Warriors are holding steady, hoping their patient approach pays off as the free-agent market continues to shift.
