The Golden State Warriors, fresh off a 48-win season and a trip to the Western Conference Semifinals, are poised to make waves in the 2025 NBA free agency period. After landing superstar Jimmy Butler ahead of last season’s trade deadline, the Warriors are not resting on their laurels. With a core led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler, the team is reportedly eyeing additional roster upgrades to cement their status as championship contenders. According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, two surprising names have emerged as potential free-agent targets: Seth Curry and former Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons. This potential signing of Simmons, a three-time All-Star with a $170 million max-level contract history, could be the shocking move that sets the stage for a Warriors dynasty revival.
A Quiet Offseason with Big Ambitions
Despite their success last season, the Warriors have been notably quiet in free agency, making them the only NBA team yet to make a roster addition this offseason. However, this silence belies their ambition. With Stephen Curry still performing at an elite level, Jimmy Butler bringing his two-way tenacity, and Draymond Green anchoring the defense, the Warriors are strategically waiting to resolve the situation surrounding restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga before making significant moves. Once Kuminga’s future is clarified, whether through re-signing or a sign-and-trade, Golden State is expected to act swiftly to bolster their bench and frontcourt depth.
Among the names linked to the Warriors are Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, Gary Payton II, and now, Seth Curry and Ben Simmons. While Seth Curry, Stephen’s younger brother, brings elite three-point shooting (45.6% from beyond the arc last season with the Charlotte Hornets), it’s the potential acquisition of Simmons that has sent shockwaves through the NBA community.
Ben Simmons: A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick, is no stranger to the spotlight. Once heralded as a generational talent with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons earned three All-Star nods and a First-Team All-Defense selection due to his elite playmaking and defensive versatility. However, his career has been hampered by injuries and a reluctance to shoot, particularly from beyond the restricted area. Since his last All-Star appearance in 2021, Simmons has struggled to regain his form, missing the entire 2022 season due to a back injury and averaging just 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 51 games split between the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 season.
Despite these setbacks, Simmons, at 28 years old, remains an intriguing prospect. His 6-foot-10 frame, combined with his point-forward playmaking and defensive prowess, makes him a unique fit for a Warriors team looking to add versatility. According to NBA insider Monte Poole, Simmons’ transition to a center role last season as a backup to Ivica Zubac with the Clippers showcased his ability to contribute in limited minutes, averaging 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 16.4 minutes per game. His ability to facilitate in transition and defend multiple positions could complement Golden State’s fast-paced, motion-heavy system under coach Steve Kerr.
However, Simmons comes with risks. His refusal to shoot jumpers or threes—averaging fewer than three points per game in Los Angeles—has made him a liability in certain offensive schemes. Social media reactions from Warriors fans reflect this skepticism, with some calling him “a poor man’s Draymond” who could clog spacing in Golden State’s shooter-heavy offense. Others argue that a minimum contract for Simmons, as suggested by Sports Illustrated’s Ben Stinar, represents a low-risk move with high-upside potential, especially if Kerr can unlock his defensive and distribution skills.
Why Simmons Fits (or Doesn’t) with the Warriors
The Warriors’ interest in Simmons hinges on his ability to fill a specific role: a backup point-forward or center who can alleviate playmaking pressure from Curry and provide defensive flexibility alongside Green. Golden State’s system thrives on spacing, ball movement, and off-ball chaos, which could mask Simmons’ shooting deficiencies if surrounded by shooters like Curry, Butler, and potentially Seth Curry. Simmons’ ability to push the pace in transition and create open looks for Golden State’s sharpshooters could be a game-changer, particularly in regular-season minutes to preserve Curry’s energy for the playoffs.
However, concerns remain about Simmons’ fit alongside Green, whose non-shooting tendencies overlap with Simmons’. As noted by Blue Man Hoop, pairing the two could be problematic unless Green is traded—a scenario considered unlikely given his integral role in the Warriors’ identity. Fans on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user stating, “Ben Simmons on minimum is fine as long as they get more shooters on the team. Just gotta avoid playing him and Dray together.” Another user bluntly remarked, “The last thing Warriors need is a poor man’s Draymond who can’t even shoot an open mid-range.”
Despite these concerns, Simmons’ low market value—potentially signing for a minimum deal or slightly above—makes him an attractive gamble. His athleticism and playmaking, even in a reduced role, could provide the depth Golden State needs after losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans. If Kerr can maximize Simmons’ strengths, as he has with versatile players in the past, the former All-Star could rediscover some of his early-career magic in the Bay Area.
Seth Curry: A Family Reunion with Shooting Prowess
In addition to Simmons, the Warriors are reportedly eyeing Seth Curry, Stephen’s younger brother, as a low-cost addition to bolster their bench. Seth, 34, shot an impressive 45.6% from three-point range last season with the Charlotte Hornets, making him a natural fit for Kerr’s motion offense. A reunion with his brother would not only add a reliable floor-spacer but also mark the first time the Curry brothers have played together in the NBA, creating a compelling storyline for fans.
Unlike Simmons, Seth Curry’s fit is straightforward. His elite shooting would provide much-needed scoring punch off the bench, especially in lineups featuring Butler and Green, who prioritize playmaking and defense over scoring. A minimum deal for Seth would be a cost-effective way to deepen Golden State’s rotation without straining their salary cap, which is already constrained with nine players under contract for the 2025-26 season.
A Dynasty Ready for a Comeback?
The Warriors’ pursuit of Simmons and Seth Curry signals their intent to maximize the championship window of their veteran core. After a second-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, Golden State is under pressure to add depth, particularly in the frontcourt and on the bench. Simmons, despite his flaws, brings a unique skill set that could thrive in a low-usage role, while Seth Curry’s shooting prowess aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ identity.
However, the Warriors’ offseason hinges on resolving Kuminga’s restricted free agency. A four-year, $100 million contract estimate for Kuminga suggests he could remain a key part of the roster, either as a scoring sixth man or a starting power forward. If Golden State opts to re-sign Kuminga, their financial flexibility to pursue players like Simmons or Seth Curry may depend on minimum deals or creative roster management. Alternatively, a sign-and-trade involving Kuminga could open up additional avenues to acquire a high-impact player.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The rumor of Simmons joining the Warriors has sparked heated debate. Some fans see it as a low-risk move with potential for a redemption story, with one X post stating, “Ben Simmons on minimum is fine as long as they get more shooters on the team.” Others are less optimistic, with another user lamenting, “Golden state is trying to acquire Seth Curry & Ben Simmons – this is the worse off season ever.” Analysts like Monte Poole and Brett Siegel see Simmons as a value signing who could provide defensive versatility and playmaking, but they caution that his offensive limitations could hinder Golden State’s spacing.
The Road Ahead
As the Warriors navigate the 2025 offseason, the potential addition of Ben Simmons and Seth Curry could mark a pivotal step toward reclaiming their dynasty status. Simmons, a former $170 million All-Star, represents a high-risk, high-reward gamble that could either revitalize his career or fall flat. Seth Curry, meanwhile, offers a low-risk, high-reward option with his shooting and familial connection to Stephen. With Kerr’s coaching acumen and a core of Curry, Butler, and Green, Golden State has the foundation for an epic comeback—if they can make the right roster moves.
As free agency unfolds, all eyes will be on the Warriors to see if they can turn these rumors into reality and position themselves as true contenders for the 2025-26 NBA season.