Ranking the top 5 potential trade partners for Blazers’ Anfernee Simons

2. San Antonio Spurs

Similarly to how the Lakers would be an excellent fit for Simons because Anthony Davis is anchoring the middle defensively, the San Antonio Spurs have their own rim protector by the name of Victor Wembanyama (only he's a towering 7-foot-4). Wemby is only 20 years old and entering his second year in the NBA after a historic season capped off by Rookie of the Year honors.

Despite his age, "The Alien" is a legitimate threat to win Defensive Player of the Year as early as next season, with MVP conversations not too far behind. The Spurs are in a rare and ideal position to feel pressure to accelerate their rebuild around their ascending superstar.

Many thought Atlanta's Trae Young, who plays similarly to Simons except for being a better facilitator, would have been a great fit for the Spurs. But now that the offseason dust has settled, Simons remains an excellent trade option that would fill many of San Antonio's roster needs. It's essential to surround Wemby with as much shooting as possible to capitalize on double-team situations, and having young players like Simons and Devin Vassell in the backcourt would be a solid foundation.

One particular Spurs player stands out as a potential trade target for the Blazers if they trade Simons to San Antonio - Keldon Johnson. He's not a great fit with the Spurs' young core and the direction they want to take their roster by adding complementary pieces around Wemby. Meanwhile, the Blazers have too many guards and centers and need more help at their wing positions.

The 24-year-old Johnson would have plenty of opportunity to thrive with the Blazers as a long-term starting forward alongside Deni Avdija, assuming they ultimately move on from Jerami Grant.