The NBA announced Wednesday that Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has been fined $50,000 for violating the NBA’s anti-tampering rule. Lacob’s fine came after he cast doubt during a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle that the Warriors would be interested in acquiring Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons. Lacob told the Chronicle: “In some ways, it doesn’t really fit what we’re doing. He makes a lot of money. And, can he finish games? I don’t know. He’s very talented. The problem is: We have Draymond. Draymond and him are very similar in the sense that neither one really shoots and they do a lot of the playmaking. That’s one issue. The salary structure is another.”
According to ESPN, the 25-year-old Simmons says he does not intend to ever play another game for the 76ers franchise. As speculation surrounding Simmons’ future continues, the Warriors have been mentioned as a new home for Simmons; however, Lacob’s comments have likely hampered that prospective deal.