Ranking the top 5 potential trade partners for Blazers’ Anfernee Simons
By Reese Kunz
4. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are in more of a win-now mode after acquiring 35-year-old DeMar DeRozan in a three-team sign-and-trade this summer. DeRozan picking Sacramento in free agency is a turning point for the Kings' franchise. However, they still are a tier below the elite teams in the Western Conference, such as the OKC Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks.
The Kings could benefit from adding another piece to their starting lineup. Specifically, they need to find an upgrade from Kevin Huerter. Adding Simons would give the Kings the same issue as the Raptors regarding having an undersized backcourt between Simons and De'Aaron Fox. But Simons' elite shooting would be perfect in Sacramento's offensive system, which likes to get out in transition to play to Fox and Domantas Sabonis' strengths.
When Fox is on the bench, Simons could slide into lead guard duties to initiate the offense along with Sabonis, with Sith Man of the Year candidate Malik Monk or Providence rookie Devin Carter playing the shooting guard role. Simons' combo guard abilities would give the Kings much more lineup versatility and add another level to their already lethal offense, doubling down on their team strength and identity.
They also need a backup center for Sabonis to give them more rim protection. Robert Williams III makes sense for Sacramento. Perhaps the Blazers could work out a blockbuster deal involving both Simons and Williams III.