The Golden State Warriors have been sending subtle messages that they're ready to move on from veteran forward and franchise legend Draymond Green.
The Warriors were likely to trade Green if they'd managed to pull off a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard at February's mid-season deadline. They were then clearly reluctant to give Green a multi-year deal in free agency, instead giving back the $27.7 million player option he initially declined to try and give the front office some flexibility in their pursuit of LeBron James.
Now, the Warriors reported interest in Ben Simmons is another hint that Golden State might be looking beyond the former Defensive Player of the Year, with uncertainty over his future despite only signing a new contract in free agency just over a month ago.
Warriors send Draymond Green message with Ben Simmons interest
Simmons has wound up signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, joining a rebuilding franchise where he himself will now look to restore some of the value and reputation that's been decimated over recent years.
The Warriors were regularly mentioned as a potential suitor for Simmons five years ago when he wanted out of the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning it's not overly surprising that Sam Amick of The Athletic reports that they, along with the NBA champion New York Knicks, also had interest in the three-time All-Star in addition to the Kings this offseason.
The similarities between Simmons and Green are obvious. Both have frontcourt size but like to handle the ball and facilitate, they're both excellent and versatile defenders when on the floor and engaged, and they're both largely non-factors as scorers at this point of their careers.
It's that last factor that suggests Simmons and Green simply couldn't play minutes together in the modern game where shooting is paramount. The question must be asked then why Golden State would have interest in Simmons when they've already got Green who plays a very similar role?
Warriors further point to moving on from Draymond Green
The Simmons interest suggests the Warriors might be looking to scale back Green's role in terms of minutes played in the short-term, something that will likely happen anyway after the franchise drafted Yaxel Lendeborg 11th overall at June's NBA Draft.
Green should probably feel a little fortunate that Simmons has signed with the Kings. While purely a hypothetical, what would have happened if the former number one overall pick had come to Golden State and actually rediscovered some of his best? It would have likely only pushed Green further towards the exit door.
Green's early season form will be fascinating given you could argue he's playing for his future at the franchise. The Warriors may well enter the mid-season deadline pursuing a big move by using the expiring contracts of Green and/or Jimmy Butler, along with their raft of future draft capital.
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