Perk claims Simmons is ‘more athletic version' of Draymond

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To trade for Ben Simmons or not? That is the question circulating through the Warriors' fanbase. 

The three-time All-Star and 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year likely has played his last game with the Philadelphia 76ers. When there's a star on the move, the Warriors always are one of the first teams mentioned as a possible landing spot. 

Is a trade for Simmons doable? Does it make sense? How would he fit? Those are a few of the many questions surrounding any potential move the Warriors would make for the Sixers' star. 

If the Warriors were to acquire Simmons, how would he and Draymond Green -- both star defensive players who aren't known for shooting -- impact Golden State's offense? There has been speculation that if the Warriors were to acquire Simmons, Green could be included in a possible trade package.

ESPN's Kendrick Perkins believes Simmons could be an upgrade over Green, but still views Draymond as the more important player to the fabric of the team. 

"Draymond and Ben Simmons are basically almost the same player," Perkins said on ESPN's "The Jump." "Ben Simmons is a more athletic version of Draymond. Draymond has become a point forward, that's what Ben Simmons is, and those two wouldn't work well together.

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"If a trade were to happen between those guys, Draymond would probably be in that trade. I've said this time and time again, Draymond Green is the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors. Just because he's not the best player, does not mean he's not the heart and soul."

With any opinion involving NBA superstars, there almost always are waves of criticism to follow. Perkins doubled down on his take on Twitter. 

A trade for Simmons does not seem to be in the cards, as Warriors' owner Joe Lacob seemed to have poured cold water on the idea. If Simmons ended up being a Warrior though, he'd have very big shoes to fill if Draymond were to be shipped elsewhere. 

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