The Golden State Warriors' recent reported interest in Ben Simmons is worth remembering and holding onto despite the three-time All-Star's move to the pacific rival Sacramento Kings.
As reported by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto earlier in the week, Simmons' contract with the Kings is completely non-guaranteed until opening night, leaving the door open for the Warriors to get another chance at the 30-year-old in the near future.
Warriors may get another Ben Simmons chance after Kings contract revealed
Simmons will earn $1 million of his $3.5 million contract if he makes Sacramento's opening night roster, something that appears highly likely but will obviously be determined on how the Australian performs in training camp and preseason.
However long Simmons' tenure at the Kings lasts, Golden State will surely keep an eye on his progression with the potential of a move in the future. If Simmons has a bounce-back season in Sacramento and re-establishes himself as a legitimate rotation player, don't be surprised if the Warriors renew interest next summer.
Clearly the Warriors thought Simmons could add something to their roster with his combination of size, ball-handling and defensive versatility, while their interest would also suggest their optimistic of his chances of overcoming the physical and mental hurdles that's seen his career collapse in recent years.
They'll now look from afar to see if that can happen on a Kings team where Simmons won't face the same level of pressure he previously experienced at the Philadelphia 76ers, nor even his most recent teams in the Brooklyn Nets and L.A. Clippers
Draymond Green trade could lead to Warriors renewing Ben Simmons interest
One of the most fascinating aspects emanating from the Simmons interest is his theoretical fit (or lack thereof) with veteran forward Draymond Green, both of who offer very little from a scoring standpoint.
Did the interest in Simmons reflect a recent sentiment that Golden State are preparing to move on from Green in the next 12 months? If the Warriors do move on from their former Defensive Player of the Year and his $27.7 million contract by the mid-season trade deadline, suddenly Simmons becomes a lot more interesting if he restores some value at the Kings and becomes available again further down the track.
Simmons appears to fit the Warriors mould of high level passing and defensive versatility, making him a player to watch and someone who could still join the franchise in the future based on this recent interest.
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