BREAKING: Golden State Warriors Sign Ben Simmons to 3-Year Deal, Banking on His Evolution Into a Reliable Sharpshooter

The NBA offseason has once again delivered a twist no one saw coming.

In a move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Golden State Warriors have officially signed free agent Ben Simmons to a three-year contract. While financial details of the deal remain under wraps, the implications are anything but subtle: Golden State believes Simmons still has untapped potential—and they’re betting that the Bay is the place it will finally be unlocked.

Once regarded as a perennial All-Star, elite defender, and fast-break maestro, Simmons has had one of the most unique journeys in modern basketball. From being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and the face of “The Process” in Philadelphia to becoming the subject of intense criticism, trade rumors, and doubts about his offensive capabilities, Simmons has spent the past few years attempting to rewrite his narrative. Now, in 2025, he has found what may be the most fitting and intriguing destination yet: the Golden State Warriors.

While his name once conjured images of no-look passes, suffocating defense, and wide-open layups passed up under pressure, Simmons has reportedly spent the past year overhauling his game. According to multiple sources, including team insiders and Simmons’ personal trainers, the 6-foot-10 guard-forward hybrid has put in relentless work on his shooting mechanics. The results? A new and vastly improved Ben Simmons.

This summer, videos began surfacing of Simmons draining three-pointers in pickup runs, knocking down midrange shots with confidence, and—perhaps most importantly—looking healthy and free-moving after years of dealing with back issues and mental hurdles.

Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. commented shortly after the signing was announced:
“We’ve seen the work Ben has put in. He’s in great shape, he’s motivated, and he’s hungry. Our coaching staff believes we can maximize his skill set and use him in ways that benefit both him and the team.”

Coach Steve Kerr echoed those sentiments in a brief media appearance:
“Ben brings size, vision, defense, and now, a perimeter threat that we think can help us stretch the floor in new ways. We’re excited to integrate him into our system and see how he complements our core.”

The Warriors’ system—known for its constant movement, pace-and-space execution, and ball-sharing philosophy—may be exactly what Simmons needs. Unlike in his previous stops, Simmons will not be expected to shoulder the full burden of a team’s offense or operate as a primary scorer. Instead, he’ll likely be used as a versatile secondary playmaker who can defend multiple positions, handle the ball in transition, and space the floor with his newfound confidence as a shooter.

Golden State’s core remains intact with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson (now re-signed), and Draymond Green, but the team has been actively seeking ways to reinvent itself after a pair of disappointing playoff exits. Simmons’ arrival could be the first major step toward that reinvention. His length and defensive instincts may help shore up a unit that struggled with consistency last season, while his improved shot offers hope for a more dynamic offensive attack.

Not everyone is convinced, of course. Critics point to Simmons’ long-standing hesitation to shoot and his inconsistencies at the free-throw line. Others question whether his improved form in summer workouts will actually translate to meaningful NBA minutes, particularly in high-stakes moments. However, those close to Simmons insist he’s mentally and physically in a better place than he’s ever been.

“Ben’s in the best headspace I’ve seen him in since LSU,” said a source close to the former All-Star. “He knows this is a fresh start, and he’s embracing it. Golden State is going to be good for him.”

What’s most fascinating about this deal is what it represents—for both sides.

For Simmons, it’s redemption. A chance to prove that he’s more than just a playmaking defender who peaked early. A chance to finally silence the doubts that have followed him since his infamous 2021 playoff series against the Hawks, where his pass-under-the-rim became a symbol of lost confidence. Now, in a Warriors uniform, he gets to reset the narrative.

For the Warriors, it’s a calculated risk with high potential upside. With Curry still producing at an elite level but entering the twilight years of his prime, Golden State is clearly making moves to support another deep playoff push. Simmons may not be the marquee star he once was, but if he truly has added a reliable jump shot to his arsenal, he could be one of the league’s biggest bargains and a mismatch nightmare.

Even beyond the court, the signing has stirred social media frenzy. Warriors fans are cautiously optimistic, with many recalling how other veterans—such as Andrew Wiggins—revived their careers in the Bay Area’s system. Wiggins went from inconsistent scorer in Minnesota to NBA champion and vital two-way contributor. Could Simmons follow a similar path?

The three-year structure of the deal suggests Golden State is committing to Simmons with enough time for development and trust-building, but also with flexibility should the experiment not pan out. That said, the vibes surrounding this deal are not those of a desperation swing—they’re of belief, of potential rebirth.

As training camp looms, all eyes will be on Simmons. Will he start? Come off the bench as a sixth man? Operate as a point forward in a small-ball lineup? There are countless possibilities for how Kerr might deploy him, especially with his versatility.

One particularly intriguing scenario: Simmons operating in a small-ball unit with Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, and Green. The floor-spacing, passing, and switchability of such a lineup could overwhelm opposing teams, particularly if Simmons’ shooting improvements hold up in game situations.

If Simmons does return to All-Star form—or even reaches a new version of himself with Golden State—this could go down as one of the savviest moves of the offseason. If not, the Warriors will still have the depth and experience to remain competitive. But the excitement around what this could mean is undeniable.

As one fan posted on social media:
“Ben Simmons, the newest sharpshooter in the Bay. Never thought I’d say it—but I’m hyped.”

Only time will tell how the Simmons-Warriors experiment plays out. But for now, it’s clear: a new chapter has begun in both his career and the ever-evolving story of the Golden State Warriors.