No NBA team wants to be stuck in the middle. General managers fear the “mediocrity treadmill”. Think about it. The lottery system exists for a reason. Its purpose is to help the league’s worst teams improve. If you’re not taking advantage of it, and you’re also not contending, what are you doing?
That was the situation the Sacramento Kings found themselves in for a long time. Last season, they broke the cycle. The Kings are officially on the fringe of the title picture.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers have seemingly taken their place. With that said, they’re expected to break that cycle this summer. The Blazers won’t make a win-now push like the Kings did – they’re expected to bottom out. Could they trade Anfernee Simons to the Kings as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Trey Lyles, F Keegan Murray, G Davion Mitchell
Sacramento Kings Receive: G Anfernee Simons
With that said, there are two ways to get off of the mediocrity treadmill. Either you bottom out, or you push forward. The former route is the more popular one. Typically, when a team hits an apparent ceiling, they reset. They’ll trade their best player or two for as many young players and first-round picks as they can.
The Kings saw a different path. Instead of rebuilding around Tyrese Haliburton, they traded him for Domantas Sabonis. The team enjoyed a playoff berth as a result. That’s all well and good.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Sacramento Kings & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Still, a perennial first-round exit won’t justify moving Haliburton. For that decision to be remembered fondly, the Kings need to continue pushing forward. Does acquiring Simons help them?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Some Kings fans won’t like this deal. In fairness, it’s true that they’re trading defense for offense. Considering that the Kings had the best offense in the NBA last season, that’s a questionable decision. What are we doing here?
Leaning into an identity. The Kings had the best offense in the NBA last season. Imagine if they made it even better. How do you guard this team? Sabonis and Fox will continue honing their two-man game.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Sacramento Kings & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
With them running pick-and-roll and dribble hand-off actions, how will defenses account for one of the best shooters in the NBA? That un guardable dynamic could push the Kings deeper into the playoffs. What does this deal do for the Blazers?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Some Blazers fans could protest here as well. Sure, Simons is young enough to be part of a rebuild. Meanwhile, the Blazers aren’t even getting a first-round pick back here. What gives?
Simply put, they’re flipping one great young player for two good ones. Murray was a Rookie of the Year candidate last season. The fact that the Blazers just drafted his twin brother Khris bodes well for team chemistry as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Sacramento Kings & Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Meanwhile, Mitchell could be one of the best backup point guards in the NBA for years to come. He’ll be perfect for this roster, as he can play alongside Scoot Henderson as well as relieving him for stretches.That’ll be useful for the Blazers as they venture off of the mediocrity treadmill.
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