If the Portland Trail Blazers decide to move on from Anfernee Simons this offseason, Michigan State guard Jase Richardson would be an ideal replacement for them to target in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Portland has a 63.4 percent chance of holding at their No. 10 draft spot and will gain more clarity when the lottery is held on Monday, May 12. But, assuming they don't jump up into the top four, Richardson is someone who would fill multiple needs for them, particularly on the offensive end, if Simons is out of the equation.
As a freshman, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds on efficient 49/41/84 shooting splits. He has very similar strengths and weaknesses as Simons. Both are undersized 6-foot-3 combo guards who, given their frame, would ideally offer more as playmakers to fit the mold of a traditional point guard.
The Blazers' lengthy roster is well-equipped to compensate for Simons' defensive shortcomings and could do the same for Richardson if needed. Offensively, moving on from Simons would leave a giant void for a Portland roster that already lacks shooting and playmaking. However, drafting Richardson would help address that while providing them with a younger and, more importantly, cheaper alternative.
Blazers can reset backcourt with a Simons-Richardson swap
This swap would be a noticeable downgrade in the short term, but the Blazers need to be focused on their long-term goal of building a sustainable contender, not just making the playoffs next year. Simons' contract is set to expire after next season, and signing him to a hefty long-term deal is the type of move that limits Portland's ceiling and risks purgatory.
Trading him for a first-round pick and a promising young player, such as Orlando's Anthony Black, would add more depth while extending their rebuilding timeline, giving Portland more opportunity to ensure they are financially committing themselves to a true star that will push them into contention.
Financially, the Blazers must factor in the new CBA and the 2026 offseason, when several contracts come off the books, and significant cap space could open up if they play their cards right. But another reason to embrace a Simons-Richardson swap would be their backcourt development of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
The Blazers invested top-ten draft capital into their young guards, who showed enough flashes this season to be given more opportunities in 2025-26. Both could benefit from increased and consistent roles, as their fluctuating usage this season contributed to their up-and-down play.
That will be much more difficult to accomplish if they have to endure another year with a messy backcourt and complex hierarchy with Simons in the equation. Bringing Richardson into the mix makes the backcourt structure crystal clear, as he can come off the bench to spell Henderson and Sharpe. And, although Richardson would ideally be more of a playmaker, Deni Avdija's emerging role as a point forward who initiates the offense doesn't make that as much of a necessity.
Not only would Richardson be a seamless fit for Portland's young core, but he also gets bonus points, as betting on a player with NBA ties typically pans out.
Moving on from Simons is a difficult but necessary next step the Blazers need to make this offseason for the sake of their finances, backcourt development, and overall asset management. And drafting Richardson as his replacement would significantly soften the blow.