Warriors ‘Intrigued’ By Idea Of Ben Simmons Trade?

The Warriors are cruising right along early but hope they’re not a finished product. After all, Klay Thompson still has yet to return from injury.

But they aren’t entirely opposed to making other potential changes to the lineup, and some within the organization are even “intrigued” by the idea of adding available 76ers star Ben Simmons, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater said on the HoopsHype podcast.

“There are people within the building that would be intrigued by the idea,” Slater said. “There’s definitely a contingent that asks how will that fit with Draymond (Green)? Simmons could fit in the Warriors’ read-and-react style, but he’d make the most sense in the Draymond role as the pick-and-roll guy with (Steph) Curry.”

Simmons, 25, has yet to play a game with the 76ers as he seeks a trade. He reportedly has told them he is not yet mentally ready to play, having already been thrown out of practice and skipped a scheduled individual workout.

But most seem to think all he needs is a change of scenery — and reports suggest that if the Sixers are to trade him, the preference would be to move him to a Western Conference team.

That said, it wouldn’t be easy for the Sixers and Warriors to come to an agreement on a deal, given what pieces would likely have to be involved, Slater added.

What matters most is that the guy up top, Joe Lacob, has literally been fined for giving his opinion about not believing in Simmons’ fit with the Warriors,” Slater said. “If you talk to him behind the scenes on or off the record, he’s transparent that he’s not giving up the young guys, particularly for a flawed type of star like Simmons. It would have to be a home-run type of thing for them to move off (James) Wiseman or (Jonathan) Kuminga.

“That package, I’m not sure, fits on Philly’s side of it because they wouldn’t really be looking for young prospects. If you are trading with the Warriors, you’re pretty much saying give me one or both of the young lottery picks.

“Joe Lacob has this dream that goes beyond this season. It’s about the next decade and this idea of continued relevance. He values Kuminga and Wiseman and their futures more than other teams do right now. That’s where there’s a line of demarcation and why I don’t see a fit with the Warriors.”