One NBA writer is proposing that the San Antonio Spurs acquire Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers. Our own James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network proposed a three-team trade between the Spurs, Blazers and Toronto Raptors.
The trade scenario features the Raptors receiving Doug McDermott, Devonte’ Graham, Malaki Branham, a 2024 first-round pick (TOR via SAS), 2025 first-round pick (ATL via SAS), and a 2027 first-round pick (SAS). The Blazers would land OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher, while the Spurs would get Simons.
Simons appeared in 62 games for the Blazers last season. He averaged 21.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field, 37.7% from beyond the arc and 89.4% from the free-throw line.
The 24-year-old Simons has career averages of 12.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He signed a four-year, $100 million contract with the Blazers in July 2022. Simons won the 2021 Slam Dunk Contest.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
“Anfernee Simons is an elite three-point shooter,” Piercey wrote. “He can shoot off of the catch or dribble. Simons can also create his own looks. Here, the Spurs could be landing Victor Wembanyama’s co-star of the future. They’ll get the NBA buzzing all over again if they do.
“Simons has excellent ball-handling skills and the ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He can shoot from the perimeter, attack the rim, draw fouls, and excel in mid-range. This versatility makes it challenging for opposing defenses to devise effective strategies to contain.”
Portland was open to trading Simons and the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for a star. However, no trade happened and Damian Lillard was upset. Lillard has now demanded that the Blazers, who drafted Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick, trade him to the Miami Heat.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Blazers are in no rush to trade Lillard, who only wants to play for the Heat. As for Simons, he may not be available in trade talks anymore since it appears he and Henderson will be the new franchise players in Portland after Lillard is traded.
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