NBA Trade Rumors: Trail Blazers' $100 million guard sparks interest from Orlando Magic & Miami Heat ahead of trade deadline
NBA trade rumors are swirling once again as Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is reportedly being targeted by the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. According to multiple reports, the $100 million guard has drawn interest from a plethora of teams.
Simons, 25, leads the Trail Blazers with 17.1 points, 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. While his shooting has been less consistent this season, shooting 40.8% and 32.5% from beyond the arc, he is a career 38.2% 3-point shooter capable of delivering instant offense for teams.
As per odds shared by NBA Central on X (formerly Twitter) from the sportsbook Bovada, the Orlando Magic (+400) and Miami Heat (+500) are leading the race to acquire the guard, who is in the third year of a four-year, $100 million contract.
Additional contenders to land him include the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.
Should Magic or Heat acquire Anfernee Simons before NBA trade deadline?
Anfernee Simons is one of the most discussed players in recent NBA trade talks. He has been the Trail Blazers’ best backcourt player during their rebuild, and his leadership has garnered the attention of several teams across the league. Some notable teams feature the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
Through nearly 30 games in the 2024–25 season, the Magic and Heat rank among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Orlando sits third with a 17-10 record, while Miami holds fifth place at 13-10. Both teams should be eager to upgrade their rosters ahead of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Between the two teams, the Orlando Magic, who are currently without stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, could have Anfernee Simons carry the team in their absence. However, he may come at a price, and the Magic should be willing to add a young piece, such as Anthony Black, to appease Portland.
If the Magic does land Simons before the NBA trade deadline, they will add another young star to their roster. However, if the Miami Heat manage to land the Portland Trail Blazers star, they would add a dynamic scorer who can help both during the regular season and in the playoffs.