Grade the Trade: Anfernee Simons goes East, Blazers continue rebuilding
By Reese Kunz
The Portland Trail Blazers are an under-the-radar team to watch this offseason. Portland could make significant changes this summer for financial, timeline, and roster fit reasons. Anfernee Simons, despite being 25 and one of their most prolific scorers, could make sense as an asset for the Blazers to move. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe appear to be Portland’s backcourt of the future, leaving Simons’ role with the Blazers in question.
Blazers send Anfernee Simons to Magic in mock proposal
In a recent Bleacher Report article, Dan Favale and Grant Hughes suggest one trade for every team not in the 2024 NBA Finals. Because Portland could be active this offseason in terms of potential trades, the Blazers are involved in three deals. This particular deal involves the Blazers sending Simons to the Orlando Magic in exchange for young assets that fit Portland’s rebuilding timeline.
Orlando is an extremely popular landing spot for Anfernee Simons in mock trade proposals. The fit makes perfect sense for the Magic. However, Simons has high trade value around the NBA, as the league places a premium on shooting. Is this deal enough for Joe Cronin and the Blazers to be willing to move their promising young guard?
Here is what the mock trade entails: