As it stands, the NBA world is waiting. Eventually, a domino is going to fall. It’s likely to fall in Portland. You’ve heard the rumors. Damian Lillard is angling to join the Miami Heat. One team that should keep a close eye on the situation it the Los Angeles Lakers.
Whether the Blazers send him there or elsewhere, they’re likely to trade him. At the moment, Lillard is the biggest potential trade chip on the market. What happens next? The Blazers may make additional moves.
Meanwhile, the status of Anfernee Simons is unclear. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild. On the other hand, Portland could prefer to flip him for additional assets. If so, here’s a deal that sends him to the Lakers.
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Anfernee Simons
With that said, Simons may be young, but he’s already a productive NBA player. That sounds exactly like the type of player that the Lakers would covet.
After all, they spent their entire summer seeking such players. The Lakers retained Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. They also added Jaxson Hayes in free agency. Are the Lakers preparing for the future?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Perhaps. The Lakers are contenders, but they’re aging. Any season could be LeBron James’ last. In all likelihood, they’re looking for players to carry them into their next era who can still help them win right now. Does Simons fit that vision?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Of course he does. In fact, Simons is one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA. This isn’t a specialist, either. Simons can create his own shot. Realistically, the Lakers are acquiring a star in this deal. Simons is a dynamic offensive player.
He should also be a perfect compliment to James. Typically, he’s thrived alongside elite shooters. The Lakers can’t do this deal until the deadline, having just extended Russell.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If they’re performing to expectations at this point, they may decline this deal. On the other hand, if they’re falling short of expectations, Simons would be a perfect acquisition. Should the Blazers part with him?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. Assuming that the Blazers trade Lillard, they could justify keeping or moving Simons. Let’s look at the justification for moving him. For starters, the Blazers may feel that they’ve got their backcourt of the future.
Obviously, Scoot Henderson is this team’s point guard for the foreseeable future. Is Simons the off-guard, or is that Shaedon Sharpe? Granted, Sharpe could play the 3, but Portland could also prefer a stronger defensive player at that position on a long-term basis.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If so, they should like this deal. Vanderbilt is a wonderful young defender who can be part of this team’s core. His ability to pass and guard multiple positions will be beneficial for Portland’s young core. Most importantly, the Blazers get a distant unprotected pick from a – mostly – aging Lakers team.
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