I'm simply operating under the assumption that since GSW is pursuing Simmons, they're doing so with the intention of adding him to their core. They could very easily be planning to play him in the Andrew Bogut/Zaza Pachula role (albeit an epanded version), and I don't believe there were any complaints about their fit with Draymond in those championship team lineups.
We have no idea if Simmons really truly wants only CA teams, but IF he does, this puts an end to the discussion for me about this guy. I was already not excited about it and thought he’s a diva before this. Now? Hell no. Give up the bank for a guy who will leave as soon as he can, doesn’t work on his shot, isn’t coach able, and doesn’t want to be here?
Bogut was at the start of their run, when the Warriors had just barely dusted off the "death lineup" and the rest of the league hadn't caught up to the small ball ethos yet. Zaza coincided with them also having Durant making "fit" a bit less important (and the league still hadn't gone full-on small ball yet like today). I think neither player (in their "Warriors prime") would be a fit for them today in the current league environment. Also, in both cases, they were guys the Warriors could take off the court for the "closer" lineup. Simmons isn't a minor role-player--they aren't going to trade all their assets outside their core stars for a guy they take off the floor in crunch time. I think the Warriors "have interest" because they look into any star/superstar that might become available. But they've reportedly already turned down a "Simmons for every young asset you have" deal, so I think it's clear that they don't consider Simmons someone who works well enough with their existing core to do something like that.
To be fair, the deal they turned down also included 2 future firsts. Had it just been Wiggins, Wiseman, 7 & 14, I dont think they would have declined.
We'll have to agree to disagree. That's a lot to give up for someone they can't build a crunch time lineup around, IMO.
I think Simmons is good and has unlimited upside. But he doesn’t really fit in with what the Warriors do. His skill set of facilitating is kinda redundant next to Green. Toronto may make some sense if Siakam is dead set on being traded. With the Portland option, Morey gets what that team desperately needs which is shooting and a player that can create for himself. I think CJ would fit in nicely there and Morey is a guy that long has prioritized outside shooting over defense. Simmons wants out. I don’t think he’ll be a Sixer come training camp. Who else is reportedly willing to try and pony up what Morey wants for him? I’ve really heard of no other teams. I think (hope) it’s just a game of cat and mouse between Morey and Olshey and they both got the offers they are want on the table and are just waiting for one another to cave first. If Olshey truly believes that we can’t part with CJ for Simmons than he’s an idiot. Simmons is an amazing defender and has a really good feel for the game and I don’t give a rats ass if he can’t hit a jumper. He doesn’t really need to, to have an impact on the game.
I think Neil would pull the trigger on Simmons in a nano second if it involved CJ,picks & some. Could it be that his agent is trying to convince Morey to send him to one of his teams of preference?
I absolutely agree. I still think it's the trade and will until either Simmons or CJ is moved for someone else, or the summer trading period ends. Which I don't think has a hard and fast date, but seems more like a traditional ending period of around the time Summer League ends? What's the latest a blockbuster takes place before training camp starts anyone know?
Ben Simmons shot better from the free throw line in the 2020/21 playoffs than Lillard did in the gold medal game just sayin!
Per Golden State: the asking price is ridiculous for Simmons. Not one team in the league would make a deal for him as of now because it’s so out of whack.
He'll cave before preseason because his coach and number one player have completely alienated and humiliated his number two player. He knows that CJ is the best fit and he'll wait until he has to make a trade to try and get the most assets on top of CJ as he can from Neil. I don't actually think he wants another forward. He needs a perimeter scoring guard and I don't know if there are many perimeter scorers better than CJ out there. Steph, Beal, Dame, Harden, KD and Klay if healthy but given the touches I don't know if there are many better than that. CJ gets buckets and has shown when Dame is out that he can facilitate too. The trade Morey wants is Dame but if he finds out Dame isn't coming and neither are Steph, Beal, Harden, KD, or Klay... I think he'll go with CJ+
At first glance, my thought is I would rather cut GS out of the loop and take Simmons. Draymond would fit in nicely with the Blazers for a couple of years, but I think Simmons is better and younger. But if GS would be sending other assets to Philly that Portland does not have (or Philly does not want) and it was the only way a deal for a PF gets done, then yes I would roll the dice even if I can't stand Green's crying and flopping. Would we be able to save the 7 million in salary difference too?
