Grade the Trade: Anfernee Simons trade idea would be massive mistake for Blazers

The Blazers have all 15 roster spots locked up entering the 2024-25 season, but it seems increasingly unlikely that all 15 players will remain on the team by the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether a trade will happen before training camp or by the 2025 trade deadline, but one of the most discussed Blazers players who could potentially be on the move is Anfernee Simons. If Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe progress as many anticipate, Simons could be the odd man out of the Blazers' long-term backcourt plans.

Trade idea sends Simons and Williams III to Pelicans

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has the Blazers sending both Simons and Robert Williams III to an unexpected trade partner in the New Orleans Pelicans. Williams makes sense, as the Pelicans' biggest weakness is their center position after losing Jonas Valanciunas in free agency to the Wizards. Simons is more surprising, especially after the Pelicans added Dejounte Murray this offseason.

The mock proposal gets even more chaotic as a third team gets involved - the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers and Lakers have been heavily involved in trade rumors, particularly involving Jerami Grant. But this time, the Pelicans are giving the Lakers a key piece in the deal.

Here are the details of the three-team trade: