The aging and injury-prone nature of their roster is undoubtedly the Golden State Warriors' biggest weakness, yet one they've clearly been willing to embrace in their moves this offseason.
The Warriors have admitted they took a talent over availability approach this summer, and they were willing to double down on that by exploring a move for fallen three-time All-Star Ben Simmons.
Ben Simmons interest proves Warriors willing to double down on weakness
Before free agency even got underway, Golden State re-signed veteran centers Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. It arguably cost them a much younger big man in Quinten Post who they allowed to walk to the Memphis Grizzlies as a restricted free agent.
The Warriors then used the taxpayer mid-level exception on De'Anthony Melton rather than show stronger interest in Anfernee Simons. Melton has appeared in just 93 games over the past three years, while Simons has played in 171 games during the same timeframe.
Golden State also re-signed 36-year-old Draymond Green and brought back 33-year-old Gary Payton II, making all these moves despite the knowledge that Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody will miss the start of the season through long-term injuries.
They were willing to go further down this path though, having shown interest in Simmons after the former number one overall pick sat out all of last season. Simmons has played 108 games in the past five years, yet still had multiple reported suitors, including the Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and NBA champion New York Knicks, before signing with the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
Warriors could extend recent approach to the mid-season trade deadline
The next question is whether the Warriors will take this direction of obvious risk into the mid-season trade deadline where, armed with over $80 million in expiring contracts and almost all their future draft capital, they're expected to be one of the more active teams on the market.
Golden State at least flirted with the idea of acquiring Anthony Davis this offseason, particularly as they also pursued 41-year-old superstar LeBron James in free agency. Davis could become available again if there's no extension between he and the Washington Wizards, leaving some intrigue on whether the Warriors could reconsider a move.
Davis isn't the only injury-prone or older star Golden State might have their eyes on as the season progresses. What about Davis' former teammate Kyrie Irving? Will the New Orleans Pelicans finally move on from Zion Williamson?
The Warriors may not be willing to gamble with their future draft picks, but they seemingly are with older, injury-prone players. Their interest in Simmons is just the latest example.
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