The Portland Trailblazers appear poised to put the remaining pieces from the Damian Lillard era on the market.
“Anfernee Simons’ status is worth keeping an eye on,” according to NBA insider Sean Highkin. “On draft night, (Portland general manager) Cronin said the Blazers are ‘committed’ to building around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and didn’t mention Simons’ name. Simons also appears open to a move — at his end-of-season exit interview in April, he said he wants ‘the opportunity to win,’ which is very plainly not where the Blazers are right now or will be in the next few years.”
Simons served as a reserve behind Lillard when the Trail Blazers were attempting to compete from 2018-21, but they are far away from those days now.
The 25-year-old has his breakout season in 2021-22, finishing eighth in Most Improved Player voting, and followed that year by topping the 20 points per game average mark (21.1) during the 2022-23 season.
Portland then sent Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade prior to last season as part of its rebuild, and Simons averaged a career-best 22.6 points per game.
If Simons is truly available, he would be a valuable trade asset as he makes just $25.89 million this season and a smidge above $27 million next season.
That equals out to a solid deal for whichever team looks to bite on him, and with strong performances Simons could fetch even more in an extension, as he is set to hit free agency in 2027.
Contending teams that could be interested in Simons include the Lakers, Warriors, Heat and Spurs, although that list could be even more robust.
Portland figures to build around Sharpe and Henderson in the year’s to come, while veterans Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant are widely known to be available in a trade.
The Trailblazers also traded Deni Avdija on draft night for draft capital.
Portland used the No. 7 pick to draft UConn center Donovan Clingan.
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