Anfernee Simons has been having a down year in his seventh NBA season, averaging 16.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds on inefficient 40/32/90 shooting splits. Simons' point average is the lowest since 2020-21, while his three-point percentage is the worst of his career.
His overall offensive contribution as a scorer and playmaker has also been widely inconsistent game-by-game, which has unfortunately been the case for several of Portland's players, as it's difficult to predict which Blazers team will show up each game.
Despite the rocky start to 2024-25, Simons could have multiple teams interested as potential trade partners. He's still yet to enter his prime at 25 years old and is on a reasonable contract, owed roughly $54 million over the next two seasons.
With Ant's playmaking limitations as more of a combo guard, it takes a unique team with playmakers at other positions to allow him to become a secondary offensive initiator rather than a traditional point guard. Ideally, they would also have lengthy wings and big men to compensate for Simons' defensive limitations. These three teams fit that criteria and have playoff aspirations but would benefit from a backcourt and shooting upgrade.
No. 1: Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic were linked to several Anfernee Simons trade ideas in the offseason and remain an ideal match for the Blazers' combo guard. The Magic are dead last in the league with a 30.9 three-point percentage. Simons' shot has been very inconsistent this season, but his sixth-season track record suggests that, at some point, he'll get back to being that 38.2 percent sharpshooter he's been for his entire career.
Simons is an ideal fit as he can provide some playmaking responsibilities to take the burden off Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (when both are healthy) but also provide floor spacing for their two ascending stars.
Former No. 6 overall pick Anthony Black has been a serviceable two-way guard in his increased role this season, averaging 8.3 points, 3.8 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks on 42/25/72 shooting splits. But that shouldn't deter Orlando from pursuing Simons, as they are entirely different players with opposite strengths and weaknesses.
Black could also be included as part of the package heading back to Portland, too. Although in any deal the Blazers make with the Magic, draft capital will have to be the focal piece of Portland's return, as Orlando doesn't have anyone that intriguing in terms of young players they'd be willing to move.
No. 2: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat previously had an interest in Damian Lillard, so there's a chance they're interested in Lillard-lite, too. However, Miami's situation has significantly changed since the 2023 offseason. They sit at 12-10 and don't appear to be legitimate contenders with their current roster.
In fact, the Heat seem to be headed in the exact opposite direction as Jimmy Butler is also now arguably the biggest trade candidate headliner , with teams like the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks popping up as possible landing spots.
The Heat may want to hit the reset button, especially if they move their 35-year-old superstar. Simons is ten years younger and aligns better with their other key pieces, such as 27-year-old Bam Adebayo and 24-year-old Tyler Herro.
Another factor to consider is Terry Rozier's disappointing play. This season, he's averaging 12.1 points on 40.6 shooting from the field, his lowest point total since his 2018-19 season in Boston. Rozier has become listed as a top trade candidate for the Heat. But regardless of whether he gets moved, it's clear Miami needs more backcourt help.
No. 3: Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are strongly linked to the center market, but point guard is another spot they need to address. D'Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent are listed among the Lakers' top trade candidates, signaling that they don't currently have an answer for a key position. JJ Redick has even recently benched D-Lo in favor of Vincent, but this could be more of a Rob Pelinka/roster construction problem rather than a Redick/coaching problem.
Simons would be an excellent fit alongside the Lakers' two superstars. Anthony Davis would help compensate for any defensive liabilities Simons has with his elite rim protection. Simons would perfectly complement LeBron on offense by providing floor spacing and secondary playmaking when needed, similar to how he would fit in Orlando with Banchero.
With the Lakers' interest in Robert Williams III, perhaps there's a package that sends over Simons and one of the Blazers' centers to the Lakers for salary fillers such as Rui Hachimura and, most importantly, future draft picks that could become extremely valuable after LeBron retires. Although teams trading Los Angeles for future draft assets always run the risk that they will reload with another big-name free agent rather than taking the rebuilding route, which could potentially diminish the pick.