Portland Trail Blazers Rumors: Anfernee Simons made 'untouchable' in trade talks by the team
After a breakout season in 2022, Anfernee Simons has become a foundational piece for the Portland Trail Blazers. With his continued growth, it appears he will be Damian Lillard's backcourt partner for the foreseeable future.
Currently, Portland sits just outside the playoff picture as the 11th seed in the Western Conference. Seeing that they have a shot at the postseason, they are a team to watch in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.
While the Blazers might be looking to make upgrades, they've made it clear who will not be put in offers. Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes recently cited that Anfernee Simons is "pretty close to untouchable" in trade discussions.
Through the first half of the season, Andernee Simons is building off his stellar 2022 campaign. He is currently posting averages of 21.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. All those marks are career-highs for the 23-year-old.
The Portland Trail Blazers should not put Anfernee Simons in any trade talks
Seeing how crucial of a piece he's become for the Portland Trail Blazers, Anfernee Simons should not be seen as available. The only instance they should consider moving him is if a star-level is on the table.
While the team may want to do right by Damian Lillard, they have to keep the long-term in mind as well. Lillard is in his mid-30s, and there's no telling how much longer he has left at his apex. That being said, Anfernee Simons could be a building block for the next phase of the franchise.
Even right now, Simons is proving he can co-exist with the All-Star point guard. The Blazers once again have a high-powered offensive backcourt and should not be in any rush to break that up.
Looking at the guard duo, there is only one negative that sticks out. That being their defensive woes given their height. However, the Blazers have done a much better job filling the supporting cast around them. Bringing in players like Jerami Grant, Josh Hart, and Justice Winslow will help mask this one weakness. The team also signed Gary Payton II this past offseason to address that side of the floor.
Anfernee Simons is only 23-years-old. He still has a lot of growing to do before he reaches his prime. The former first-round pick is also in the first year of the four-year deal he signed last summer. Seeing that Simons is their top blue-chip prospect at the moment, trading him away makes little sense.