Joe Lacob puts full stop on Ben Simmons trade talk

Ben Simmons has undoubtedly been the talk of the NBA world throughout the off-season. After a well-publicized struggle during the playoffs that culminated in passing up a wide-open dunk, Simmons’ trade talk has been at the crux of NBA discussion.

That’s only ramped up in recent weeks, with reports confirming a deteriorating relationship between the 76ers and their former number one overall pick. Given Simmons has no intention of pulling on a 76er uniform again, it’s now a situation when not if he’ll be traded.

The Golden State Warriors have been continuously linked to Ben Simmons; well, owner Joe Lacob doesn’t seem to think the fit would work.

Throughout the whole process, the Golden State Warriors have been one of, if not the most linked team to a potential Simmons deal.

Armed with young talent and a matchable contract in Andrew Wiggins, many saw the Warriors as having a realistic shot, especially given reports suggested Simmons was open to a move to the Bay Area.

But after countless reports and discussions, Warriors owner Joe Lacob seemingly put a full stop on any possibility that the franchise trades for the three-time All-Star guard. Speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle, Lacob questioned Simmons’ ability in crunch time situations, along with his fit next to Draymond Green.

Some across social media claimed Lacob’s comments were just a ruse to continue to drive down Simmon’s trade value. But at face value, these comments should take the Warriors out of the Simmons discussion.

It’s well known that Lacob, the franchise majority owner since 2010, is a key advocate for the Warriors building long-term success.

As an owner and businessman that makes sense, he needs to work out how he’ll continue to profit post the Stephen Curry era. This means it’s unlikely that recent top ten picks James Wiseman and Jonathan Kuminga will be traded, particularly with anything Simmons-related.

Who knows, things may change.

The entire debacle could force Simmons’ value down to the point where the Warriors may be able to re-enter the discussion. For now, it seems fanciful that we’ll see Ben Simmons in a Warriors uniform in the near future.