As the NBA offseason progresses, the Portland Trail Blazers are clearly entering a phase of rebuilding, with key assets like Jerami Grant rumored to be on the move. In this climate of strategic realignment, another significant Blazers player, Anfernee Simons, has emerged as a potential trade piece.
Simons, a highlight in a tumultuous season for the Blazers, has shown he's a commodity on the trade market. The 25-year-old guard, drafted in the late first round in 2018, has quickly risen to prominence as one of the league's elite guards. Following Damian Lillard's trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, Simons stepped up impressively, averaging 22.6 points and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field and 38.5% from beyond the arc. With two years and $53.6 million remaining on a team-friendly contract, Simons is a prime target for teams seeking a capable combo guard.
The Orlando Magic need to acquire Blazers' Anfernee Simons to bolster their offense
The Orlando Magic, in particular, stands to gain significantly from Simons' acquisition. Last season, Orlando faced challenges with its perimeter shooting, finishing at the bottom of the league in three-pointers made and 24th in three-point efficiency. Their offensive struggles were evident as they averaged only 110.5 points per game, ranking 24th in the league, which is unusually low for a playoff team. Despite offseason efforts to enhance their shooting, including the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the drafting of Tristan Da Silva, the need for a high-caliber scorer like Simons is clear.
Magic forward Paolo Banchero addressed the team’s needs earlier this offseason when he spoke to Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. “[The front office] wants two-way guys who add to what we already have in terms of our defensive identity, length and versatility. Shooting is a big part of what we need to improve on, whether we go and get somebody or try to develop guys. I don’t know which way they’re going to approach that. And having a guy who can set the table and be reliable. We have a lot of talented guys who can make shots and make plays: me, Franz [Wagner] and Jalen Suggs. I would rather be more of an offensive hub than the point guard, if that makes sense.”
Simons, who is in the top echelons for shooting efficiency — especially notable with a 47% success rate on wide-open threes over the past three years — fits this bill perfectly. His ability to efficiently drive and score would mesh well with the Magic's core players like Banchero and Franz Wagner, potentially elevating Orlando's offensive game significantly.
Trade dynamics involving a Magic trade for Simons
While Simons' offensive talents are well-documented, his defensive performance, with a defensive rating of 120.5 and a defended field goal percentage of 54.2% last season, suggests room for growth. However, standing at 6'3″ tall with a wingspan of 6'9″, Simons possesses the physical tools necessary for defensive development. In Orlando, which had a defensive rating of 110.8 last season, Simons' potential as a defender could be realized under the right system and guidance.
Incorporating Simons poses strategic decisions for Orlando, particularly in terms of lineup choices. With Caldwell-Pope and Jalen Suggs expected to start, Simons might best serve the team as a dynamic bench player initially, providing a significant boost to Orlando's offensive unit.
Orchestrating a trade for Simons would require Orlando's front office to make thoughtful moves. A possible trade scenario could involve sending players such as Anthony Black and Cole Anthony to Portland, along with draft picks, including a 2025 first-round pick from the Denver Nuggets and a 2026 first-round pick (lottery protected). This deal would supply Portland with young assets and future flexibility as they rebuild.
For Orlando, acquiring a player like Simons could be transformative, particularly in addressing their offensive shortcomings. As the NBA landscape evolves, securing Simons could propel the Magic into stronger contention within the Eastern Conference, showcasing a firm commitment to assembling a versatile and robust team capable of achieving greater heights.
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