The Portland Trail Blazers are rebuilding, but that has not stopped them from being active. They traded for Deni Avdija and have not been afraid to be bold as the franchise attempts to create a contender. Fans have heard the Anfernee Simons rumors, but the latest put a timetable on the Blazers creating action.
The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress believes Jerami Grant or Simons will be moved before training camp. The Blazers are just $2 million under the luxury tax line and want to create more playing time for Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Grant’s massive contract limits his market and could put Simons on the move.
The NBA’s new spending restrictions have squeezed the trade market. Teams over the first and second apron are limited, but it is not every day that a 25-year-old potential All-Star becomes available. Simons keeps improving, but the Blazers are prioritizing other guards. It puts him firmly on the block and should have Portland’s front office considering these moves.
- Jazz keep Markkanen and buy on Simons
The Lauri Markkanen trade rumors are everywhere, but the situation will quickly be resolved. The All-Star forward is extension-eligible starting Aug. 6. If he signs a new contract, he cannot be traded for six months. The trade deadline is on Feb. 6, so Markkanen cannot be dealt this season if he signs after the first day he is eligible.
The Jazz should try to buy if they plan on keeping the seven-footer. With Markkanen, they haven’t been good enough to make the Play-In Tournament or select at the top of the lottery. Utah cannot be stuck in the middle and could likely convince the Blazers to part with Simons at a reasonable price.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: John Collins, 21st round picks
Utah Jazz Receive: Anfernee Simons, Duop Reath
Utah would love to add Collins and the two years remaining on his contract. It would open more run for Walker Kessler and give them more flexibility. They have several additional first-round draft picks and would likely protect both selections in this deal.
The Blazers have too many guards and big men. Collins is not an ideal fit, but picking up two first-round picks may be enough to convince Portland to accept this deal. Collins could play minutes at the four and the Trail Blazers build their draft capital.
Simons and Markkanen could be a fun offensive duo, and the Jazz have young talent to help them keep ascending. It may not be enough to make the Play-In Tournament, but it solves Utah’s need for a guard and makes them more interesting.
The Utah Jazz are unlikely to make this move, but they are not the only team needing a long-term fit with a star big man.
- Spurs take a swing on Simons
San Antonio entered the offseason in desperate need of a point guard and filled that hole by signing Chris Paul to a one-year contract. The Spurs drafted Stephon Castle to be their future, but they would not be the first team with multiple ball-handlers. Castle was a perimeter stopper in the NCAA and could be the perfect backcourt partner for Anfernee Simons.
The Spurs can make any move. They have a mountain of draft capital and several young talents to use if the right move comes along. San Antonio may be able to buy low on Simons at just the cost of a young wing and a first-round draft pick.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Keldon Johnson, 2028 1st round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Anfernee Simons
There will be plenty of debate about which first-rounder the Blazers receive. They would love a selection from the Hawks or Bulls, but the Spurs likely limit it to their selections. San Antonio will want to wait a few years, which makes their 2028 first-rounder with a top ten protection seem the most likely.
Johnson has upside but is a questionable fit next to Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan. The Blazers may land a starting forward and a mid-first-round pick for Simons. It is not a ton, but the Spurs are always cautious about not overpaying.
The Portland Trail Blazers can likely find a better deal elsewhere and should focus on a franchise in need of a guard with aspirations to seriously contend.
- Magic see a missing piece in Simons
Orlando has one of the best young teams in the NBA. Paolo Banchero is a future superstar and just led the Magic to the playoffs in his second NBA season. The addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has them thinking about a playoff run, but do they have enough offensive firepower to get there?
Orlando has taken several shots on guards in recent drafts but has mostly come up empty. There is still hope for Anthony Black, but the Magic want to win now. Could that mean trading a couple of young pieces for someone capable of scoring 20-plus every night and creating his own shots?
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, 21st round picks
Orlando Magic Receive: Anfernee Simons
Portland’s biggest haul is coming from Orlando. The Magic are willing to move Cole Anthony but would need another salary to make the math work. Jett Howard was a lottery pick in 2023 and is a proven sharpshooter.
The Trail Blazers do not need another guard, but the two first-round picks plus a recent lottery choice is a strong offer for a 25-year-old guard the Blazers are not emphasizing as part of their core.
The Magic get Simons to pair with Banchero, Franz Wagner, KCP, and Jalen Suggs. They are still searching for a center, but this trade would be appealing to Orlando if they believe Simons can get buckets in the playoffs.
The Orlando Magic prioritized Caldwell-Pope and appear set to enter training camp with their current roster. One team has expressed interest, but making a deal work won’t be easy.
- Simons heads to the Lakers as Blazers acquire unwanted guard
It has been a quiet offseason for the NBA’s most popular team. The Lakers re-signed LeBron James but failed to significantly upgrade their roster. There were several attempts, but LA could not land a marquee free agent and is dangerously close to surpassing the second tax apron.
The Lakers are still searching for upgrades and have expressed interest in Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons. Portland does not want to take back D’Angelo Russell, but the Blazers must to make this trade work.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, 21st round picks
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Anfernee Simons, Duop Reath
This is unlikely as the last thing Portland needs is two more guards. D-Lo could be bought out, but Vincent has two years left on his contract. They would need to make another move, but that is likely coming as the Blazers solve their big-man logjam.
Getting two future Lakers selections is intriguing. LeBron James turns 40 in December and the franchise struggles to win without him. Could LA be in the lottery and give the Blazers a high pick? It is certainly possible and a bet Portland would be taking if they made this trade.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ options are limited in where they can trade Anfernee Simons. They are ready to move on, but it is all about finding the right deal.
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