The Portland Trail Blazers could explore Anfernee Simons trade options this offseason, and the Orlando Magic are the obvious partner.
The two teams have been linked for quite some time now, though most of it has been speculation. However, NBA insider Marc Stein recently brought forth more intel that supports what many have assumed to be the case all along.
"As a new offseason beckons, another Trail Blazer has been increasingly projected as an Orlando target: Lillard's former Blazers backcourt mate Anfernee Simons," wrote Stein.
Magic need Anfernee Simons to make a deep playoff run
Orlando needs to upgrade their point guard position this summer, and Simons would be a perfect fit. The Magic finished dead last in three-point shooting. They also need to add another playmaker into the equation to help take some of the burden off of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Simons' combo guard skillset is the exact type of player they need to help elevate their young core.
Orlando is a dark horse to make a deep playoff push next season as an already weak Eastern Conference continues to crumble due to unfortunate injuries to stars like Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum. Adding someone like Simons would help improve those odds in the short term but also makes sense for their timeline at just 25 years old.
On top of that, Simons is an Orlando area native, making this an ideal fit from both a basketball and human element standpoint.
Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian recently said that the likelihood of the Blazers parting ways with Simons this summer is a "toss-up," adding, "Unless an ideal trade presents itself, and the Blazers are convinced Henderson can run the team, Simons will return as the starting point guard."
Portland's backcourt situation is a catch-22. They need to be convinced Henderson can run the team, but they didn't do a great job of giving him an increased role or a consistent audition to see if he can run the team. Now, they must make an educated guess on one of their most important decisions this summer.
As Fentress notes, Simons' market value also plays a significant role in their decision. If Portland can land Anthony Black and one of Orlando's first-round picks, that would have to be tempting to consider. Not only would Black be insurance for Henderson, but the Blazers could also use one of their first-round picks to fill Simons' void.
Simons to Orlando trade talks have been dragging on for quite some time. But this summer finally feels like the right time for a deal to get done, as both teams now have more of a sense of urgency. Orlando desperately needs shooting now more than ever and doesn't want another season with Banchero and Wagner to go to waste. And Portland must decide whether to trade or extend Simons before his contract expires.
If it were up to us, we'd send him to Orlando.