At times, the path forward is obvious. Other times, it’s less clear. Every NBA team has a path forward as well. With that said, some situations are easier to make decisions about than others.
Take the Portland Trail Blazers. They need to trade Damian Lillard. That’s an obvious path for this team. The Blazers just selected Scoot Henderson with the third pick in the NBA draft. He is their point guard of the future. Portland needs to get the best return that they can for Lillard, and rebuild. Should they trade Anfernee Simons as well?
That’s a little less clear. Simons is certainly young enough to be part of a rebuild. On the other hand, with Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe on the roster, the Blazers may want to diversify their roster. If they feel that they’ve got enough young guard talent between those two, they may look to move Simons. Could they send him to the Charlotte Hornets?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Anfernee Simons, F Nassir Little
The Blazers do have to trade Lillard – right? Recently, it’s seemed as if they may not. What is happening in Portland? This team needs to pick a direction. Keeping Lillard on this team, as constructed, is not tenable.
Why should Lillard spend the remainder of his career playing alongside prospects? Henderson and Sharpe are tremendous talents – so is Simons. None of these players will be ready to lead a title run any time soon. Young players are almost never equipped for that kind of responsibility. Is Lillard going to be a glorified babysitter?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
He deserves better. For that matter, the Blazers deserve better. This team would benefit from whatever package they’d receive for Lillard more than they’d benefit from keeping him. Should the Blazers trade Simons as well?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
We think so. This is a difficult call. It’s not necessary, either. Sharpe has the size to play the 3. That could work. Is it the most optimal path forward?
We’re skeptical. There should be enough offensive explosion between Henderson and Sharpe to carry an offense. Portland would probably be better off to seek a 3-and-D wing to support the two. This should be their backcourt of the future. With that in mind, Simons is looking like the odd man out.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
If the Blazers agree, this deal ought to provide them with whatever they’re seeking for Simons. They’re landing a first-round pick and a swap. They’re also landing an expiring contract in Hayward, and a young rotation player in Little. Should the Hornets give all of that up for Simons?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
In fact, plenty of fans expected the Hornets to select Henderson with the second overall pick. He was widely regarded as the number two prospect in the 2023 draft. The Hornets felt differently. With LaMelo Ball running point, they opted to select Brandon Miller.
That made some sense. Ball is ball-dominant, and Henderson will likely be the same at the NBA level. If the Hornets are looking for a future backcourt partner for Ball, they may want a knockdown shooter instead. That’s what they’re getting here. Simons is one of the best shooters in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Meanwhile, unlike the Blazers, the Hornets have been rebuilding for some time. Surely, there’s an appetite to improve in Buzz City. With that in mind, the Hornets shouldn’t balk at the price here. They should be happy to spare this draft capital to find Ball’s long-term backcourt partner. The path for Charlotte here is obvious.
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