The Portland Trail Blazers have been a hot topic this summer due to various trade rumors. While veteran forward Jerami Grant has garnered the most attention, other players, including young guard Anfernee Simons, have also been mentioned in potential deals.
With the Trail Blazers’ crowded backcourt this season, Simons could be a trade candidate. However, it appears the team might hold off on moving him before the start of training camp. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report noted that the Trail Blazers might not be actively seeking to trade Simons before the season begins.
Despite this, the Blazers might still consider trading Simons, especially with the emergence of Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. Simons, who is on a favorable contract for the next two years, could fetch valuable assets for the team. He is set to earn $25.8 million this season and $27.6 million next year, and with the new CBA affecting the salary cap, his contract might be seen as a bargain by potential suitors.
Last season, Simons averaged 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game for Portland, with a solid 38.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Given that the Trail Blazers are unlikely to contend for the title this season, trading Simons while his value is high might be a strategic move. He could serve as a key contributor, either as a sixth man or a starter, for many teams in need of scoring.
Simons has shown improvement each year in the NBA and has become a reliable scorer for Portland. While his future with the team remains uncertain, it seems the Blazers are planning to start the season with him on the roster for now.
