The central issue, as described in the report, is that Golden State kept its offer at the minimum while waiting to hear from LeBron James on whether he might join the roster. Simons reportedly wanted at least $6 million per season, and he secured exactly that figure in the new deal.
Impact on the Warriors’ roster construction is clear. Simons would have provided a ready-made solution to a recurring problem: Curry carrying a heavy portion of the playmaking load. In a season where Simons appeared in 55 games due to a wrist injury, he remained one of the league’s more efficient perimeter shooters, converting 38.5% of his three-point attempts. He averaged 14.3 points per game and has a career high of 22.6 points per game from his time with Portland.
Beyond numbers, Simons offered what the Warriors lacked last season: a dependable secondary shot creator who could attack off the dribble, pull up from range, and provide stability to the second unit. The loss of that profile leaves a noticeable gap in the backcourt, prompting evaluation from general manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office.
The decision not to exceed a veteran-minimum offer is viewed as tied to the broader strategy surrounding LeBron James. With James still weighing his options, the Warriors paused for clarity, hoping for a marquee addition that could reshape the offseason. Meanwhile, other teams moved decisively, with Colin Sexton signing with the Lakers and Simons heading to the Sixers, leaving the Warriors to navigate a thinner backcourt than anticipated.
Golden State operates with limited cap room, especially after Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option, which temporarily freed funds for potential moves. The front office’s strategy hinges on a potential pursuit of James, a plan that carries risk if James ultimately signs elsewhere.
Reports indicate James is not expected to finalize his decision until the weekend, a delay that allows other free agents to sign with different teams. As a result, the Warriors risk watching additional targets come off the board while they await that determination.
Meanwhile, rival teams have continued to shape their rosters, with the Sixers strengthening their case for LeBron James by adding Jaylen Brown, according to Shams Charania. Other franchises remain in the mix for James, and if he joins a group that already includes Curry, Green, and other components, it could justify the gamble for Golden State. If James chooses another path, the Warriors may face a more piecemeal roster, potentially vulnerable in a competitive Western Conference.
Possible remaining options for the Warriors’ backcourt include established guards such as Bradley Beal, Bruce Brown, Jordan Clarkson, Rui Hachimura, and Benedict Mathurin. Should James indicate an intention to join, the club could adjust its offseason trajectory accordingly. Until a final decision arrives, the front office must balance the appeal of a high-impact addition with the realities of cap space and long-term rosters.
In summary, Golden State’s reluctance to offer more than a veteran minimum to Simons—while positioning around LeBron James—appears to have cost them a key piece to support Curry. With the backcourt thinner than hoped and free agents signing elsewhere, the Warriors face a pivotal period in shaping their lineup for the upcoming season.
