3 reasons why a Ben Simmons-to-Warriors trade won't work

3 reasons why a Ben Simmons-to-Warriors trade won’t work

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 14: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 123-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Why Warriors won’t trade for Ben Simmons: Fit

As noted, the Golden State Warriors have James Wiseman on their roster. Last season, they made a push to get him more minutes, including him in the starting lineup over the more experienced Kevon Looney.

Unless he’s dealt, any addition like Simmons would cut into Wiseman’s development. Simmons, Wiseman, and Green on the court together, at least on paper, wouldn’t create much spacing offensively. Defensively, it’d likely be a terrific unit.

With Joe Lacob in agreement about his fit, Simmons to Golden State is in doubt. The Warriors’ long-term plan is clearly to have the Big 3 around for the next four or five years and then have Jonathan Kuminga and Wiseman take over.

If Green could still shoot over 35 percent from deep, the conversation might be different, but with Green typically an on-ball offensive player and Simmons rocking a similar role in the Sixers attack, it really just doesn’t make much sense as one would have to move into more of an off-ball role.

Green actually averaged a career-high 8.9 assists per game. Steve Kerr should want him on the ball. Would Simmons be okay with more of a screening role in the Warriors’ high-motion offense? That’s another question to ponder if a trade were more of a reality.

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