The Golden State Warriors aren’t sold on Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons to the Golden State Warriors got some attention prior to the draft. Then, the proposal of what the Sixers wanted was released, and it became obvious that a deal wasn’t going to get finalized.

Now, the possibility is gaining traction. Why? Well, it’s because Simmons clearly doesn’t want to stay in the Philadelphia area as he’s distancing himself from the franchise. One organization he wants to play for is Golden State.

The Golden State Warriors are “divided” on the potential of Sixers’ guard Ben Simmons and three-time All-Star Draymond Green together.

The Sixers wanted Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman and four first-round picks.

Sorry, Philadelphia, but that’s a pipe dream of a trade as Simmons just isn’t that valuable. Many within the organization aren’t even sold on how his potential fit would look alongside Draymond Green. It’s a great point to consider as well.

"“I think the Warriors internally are divided on the potential fit of Simmons with Draymond Green. Do you agree?” Zach Lowe said Tuesday on his “Lowe Post” podcast. “I’ve been told they are. They are divided,” Stephen A. Smith continued with."

Simmons was commonly paired with MVP candidate Joel Embiid. The duo played over 1,100 minutes together last season, so he’s clearly not viewed as a center despite the point guard coming in at 6-foot-11.

Green also isn’t a center either. He played 40 percent of his minutes at center this past season as the Warriors basically went without a traditional center the entire month of January. Green is the team’s small-ball center.

The problem is that, if you add in a center like Kevon Looney or James Wiseman, the team will have three non-shooters on the court. Green’s lack of a three-point shot has been mysterious to watch as he did top 38 percent on over three three-point attempts per game earlier in his career.

Green or Simmons are not deep threats. Wiseman or Looney are not deep threats. Playing with three non-shooters, even with the best shooter to ever pick up a basketball, is not a way to succeed in the NBA.

Now, the combination of Simmons and Green defensively is one to marvel at. Simmons was a top-three DPOY candidate this past season and Green has won the award before. They’d tag-team to create potentially the best on-ball defense in the league.

The consequences offensively are likely what is splitting the organization, and it makes sense. We’ll see how the front office opt to manage the roster, but I’d be hesitant to trade anything of significance to Philadelphia for Simmons.