When discussing potential landing spots for Portland Trail Blazers combo guard Anfernee Simons, the most common team that gets brought up is the Orlando Magic. The Magic could certainly use Simons' offensive firepower, which was apparent in their recent loss to the Blazers when Portland held them to under 80 points for the first time all season.
However, a human factor to also consider is that Orlando is Simons' hometown area. He was born in Altamonte Springs, attended high school in Orlando, and spent a postgraduate year at IMG Academy in Bradenton.
One recent mock trade proposed by Kevin O'Connor on The Bill Simmons Podcast has the Blazers finally sending Simons back home.
Mock trade sends Anfernee Simons to the Orlando Magic
Here is the deal in full:
Although the trade didn't specify which first-round pick the Blazers would receive, they mentioned the value of the Magic's 2025 first-round pick. Largely due to injuries, Orlando sits at 24-23, which would be the No. 16 overall pick if the season ended today.
Despite hovering around .500, the Magic are averaging the fewest points in the league. Simons would be a great fit alongside co-stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, providing them with more floor spacing, playmaking, and overall scoring.
From the Blazers' standpoint, the headliner would be the first-round pick. Early on in the rebuild, the Blazers should acquire as much draft capital as possible.
It would be also ideal if they could figure out a package that includes two-way guard Anthony Black in the trade. Rip City would still get two players who fit their timeline in Cole Anthony (24) and Jett Howard (21), but their upsides are much more limited.
The Blazers also need to trade veterans to clear up roles and minutes for their young core. This trade would help the development of both Shaedon Sharpe and, more significantly, Scoot Henderson.
O'Connor emphasizes the need for Portland to invest in Scoot "despite the ups and downs." He also touches on a point many Blazers fans have asked for this season -- giving their former No. 3 pick a real (and consistent) opportunity.
"For Portland, it's time to go all in and give Scoot a full look. He's been improving lately, showing signs of life, which is part of the equation. But you also have Simons, who's taking many of those touches and absorbing a lot of those minutes."