In a stunning turn of events, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as a serious contender in the race to sign former No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons, shaking up the NBA landscape as the 2025-26 season approaches. While the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Sacramento Kings have long been considered the frontrunners for the Australian star, recent reports suggest that the Warriors are making a bold play to secure Simmons’ signature, potentially reshaping their roster in a bid for Western Conference dominance.
According to Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, Simmons is strategically delaying his decision, carefully evaluating offers from multiple teams, including the Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. “Knicks and Kings are known suitors for Simmons,” Siegel posted on X on August 21, 2025. “Celtics have obviamente been in that mix as well. I wouldn’t be shocked if Simmons is holding out to see if any of these other situations create an opening for him — teams like Golden State, Atlanta, and Cleveland.”
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With only nine players currently on their roster for the upcoming season, the Warriors are in desperate need of depth, and Simmons could be the key to unlocking their full potential. Analysts have pointed to Simmons as an ideal backup for Draymond Green, citing his elite playmaking and defensive versatility as qualities that align seamlessly with Golden State’s fast-paced, high-IQ style of play.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus ranked the Warriors among the top four destinations for Simmons, alongside the Kings, Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. “Without Kuminga, Golden State needs to fill 2-3 roster spots. Simmons is similar in many ways to Draymond Green,” Pincus wrote. “Neither has earned their contracts through individual scoring, but through defense and playmaking. With an elite shooter like Steph Curry and a tough all-around competitor like Jimmy Butler, Golden State is a formidable contender in the Western Conference when healthy.”
Pincus emphasized that while Simmons wouldn’t play alongside Green due to their overlapping skill sets, he could thrive as a reserve, allowing the Warriors to maintain their signature style even when Green is off the floor. “Simmons wouldn’t fit alongside Green, but could be a valuable reserve behind him, so that the team doesn’t need to alter its style of play,” Pincus noted. Unlike Green, who occasionally takes outside shots, Simmons’ reluctance to shoot from deep remains a key difference, but his ability to facilitate and defend could make him a game-changer in Golden State’s second unit.
The New York Knicks, one of Simmons’ primary suitors, face a tougher path to signing the former All-Star. With only one roster spot remaining, the Knicks are carefully weighing their options to finalize their bench rotation for the 2025-26 season. Knicks beat writer Ian Begley acknowledged the team’s interest but tempered expectations due to their limited roster flexibility. “Logic tells me to take the field because there are so many different variables here for the Knicks,” Begley said. “They have interest, other teams have interest, and they have one spot unless they make a trade to open up another.”
Despite these challenges, Pincus believes Simmons could be a seamless fit in New York, particularly as a playmaker for their second unit. “Simmons could relieve some of that pressure, with the size to play alongside [Jalen] Brunson or entirely with the second unit to help generate offense,” he wrote. The Knicks, who shifted from a defense-first identity to an offense-heavy squad after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, still boast elite wing defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Simmons’ addition would bolster their defensive prowess while addressing their need for a reliable facilitator.
Simmons, a three-time All-Star known for his exceptional court vision and defensive tenacity, remains one of the NBA’s most intriguing talents despite recent injury concerns and a well-documented aversion to shooting. At his best, he’s a 6’11” point-forward capable of orchestrating an offense and locking down opponents across multiple positions. For teams like the Warriors and Knicks, Simmons represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity to add a unique skill set to their roster.
For Golden State, pairing Simmons with Curry and Butler could create a dynamic trio capable of competing with the West’s elite. His ability to push the pace, distribute the ball, and guard multiple positions would complement the Warriors’ system, providing a safety net when Green rests. Meanwhile, in New York, Simmons could alleviate pressure on Brunson and Towns, giving the Knicks a versatile weapon to deploy in various lineups.