Top 3 landing spots for Anfernee Simons if Trail Blazers trade him this summer
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly looking to move Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick of this year’s draft to retool their roster. Superstar Damian Lillard has sent feelers that he wants to be traded if the team can’t build a better team around him.
Kevin O’Connor’s report could mean an intriguing summer for the Trail Blazers:
"My league sources say that Portland's interest in building around Lillard is genuine. The front office is exploring deals for the no. 3 pick and it's also open to moving Anfernee Simons.
"Jaylen Brown, Pascal Siakam, or Mikal Bridges would make sense as potential targets via trade, but it's unclear what level of appetite the Blazers have for that kind of trade. Come draft night, they might just pick."
Portland is open to trade Anfernee Simons and the 3rd overall pick, as the franchise wants to build around Dame Lillard 👀 ⚫🔴
(via @KevinOConnorNBA)
#NBA #NBAFinals #Portland #TrailBlazers https://t.co/3tffWsU8zw
Since Lillard was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2012, the team’s biggest achievement was reaching the Western Conference finals in 2019. However, they were swept by the Golden State Warriors in that series.
Portland did not even make the play-in tournament this time around and had to shut down Lillard when their season was lost. Rebuilding the roster around him will be their best chance of becoming relevant after missing the playoffs the last two seasons.
Trading Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick could be the fastest way to contend for the playoffs.
Here are three potential landing spots for Simons:
#1 Brooklyn Nets
The Portland Trail Blazers have been desperately looking for a wing that can defend multiple positions. They acquired Cam Reddish and Matisse Thybulle for this very reason. While both are solid 3-and-D players, they’re not on the same level as Mikal Bridges.
Bridges is a proven elite defender who has blossomed into a legit scoring threat. When given the green light to look for his shots, he has unquestionably become the Nets’ best player on both ends of the floor. Bridges would arguablt be a seamless fit beside Damian Lillard.
Mikal Bridges was magical vs Orlando at the end of the season
44 PTS
6 REBS
6 3PM
59 FG%
Mikal is a special special player in this league ⭐️
https://t.co/2NcBXmpRA5
Portland may have to send more than just Simons to pry Bridges from Brooklyn, considering the reported offers the Nets declined during the trade deadline.
Anfernee Simons would easily become the Nets’ best offensive player. If Brooklyn wants to rebuild as well, he would certainly be a nice core piece to have in the lineup.
#2 Toronto Raptors
The Portland Trail Blazers could also go for someone with proven championship mettle in Pascal Siakam. He has been the Toronto Raptors’ best player over the past few years. If Lillard is injured, he can even become the team’s No. 1 option.
Siakam’s length, experience and savvy will benefit the Blazers’ young roster. Portland, though, would need to move more than just Anfernee Simons to get the deal done.
The versatile forward will be playing in the final year of his contract with the Raptors. They would likely be open to the idea of trading him to recoup assets, draft picks and players such as Simons.
No extension for Pascal Siakam ahead of tonight’s deadline, I’m told.
His current contract runs through 2023-24 and he’ll be extension eligible again next summer (and will be eligible for a super max extension if he makes All-NBA again this season). A bet on himself.
Anfernee Simons’ timeline would arguably be just perfect for Scottie Barnes. The two could become Toronto’s 1-2 punch for the future.
#3 Minnesota Timberwolves
Anfernee Simons, the No. 3 and 23rd picks of this year’s draft and Shaedon Sharpe could be enough to entice the Minnesota Timberwolves to give up Anthony Edwards.
“Ant-Man” and Damian Lillard could form an exciting backcourt that could help carry the Portland Trail Blazers back to the playoffs. “Dame” could also give the baton to Edwards as the team’s franchise player as he ages.
Man, Anthony Edwards’ performance against Denver was so incredibly special—especially for a 21 year old:
31.6 PPG
60.2 TS%
5.0 RPG
5.2 APG
1.8 SPG
2.0 BPG
Stole a game
The Minnesota Timberwolves would get two emerging players in Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. They could also turn the No. 3 pick into someone like Amen Thompson or Brandon Miller and get much-needed depth after acquiring Rudy Gobert.
Also read:NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard can be the centre piece to build around for Trail Blazers this season