Every team in the NBA has a working relationship. Sometimes, relationships between teams grow sour. Other times, two sides can’t come to a deal. That doesn’t mean that they won’t explore another deal down the line.
This summer, the Portland Trail Blazers have been exploring their relationships with other teams. In all likelihood, a bridge has been burned between them and the Miami Heat. The Blazers refused to negotiate with them in Damian Lillard talks. How’s Portland’s relationship with the Toronto Raptors?
We don’t know. At one point, the Raptors were seen as frontrunners to acquire Lillard. That’s no longer the case. With that said, we don’t know that these two sides wouldn’t look to make another deal down the road. How about one for Anfernee Simons?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F OG Anunoby, F/C Thaddeus Young
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Anfernee Simons
What happened between the Heat and the Blazers? Well, as with many relationships, another relationship breakdown caused friction. We’re talking about the breakdown of the relationship between Lillard and the Blazers. Somewhere along the line, this situation got toxic.
Think about it. This is no different than general relationships between human beings. Say you’ve got a partner. That partner and your best friend end up in a conflict. How likely is it that you’re going to get dragged in? Relationships don’t exist independently – they are interconnected.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Lillard told the Blazers that he only wanted to join the Heat. The Heat wanted the superstar guard – who could blame them? With that said, the whole situation may have colored negotiations. Is there any reason to believe Portland has a better relationship with Toronto?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
By all accounts, the Blazers wanted Anunoby in exchange for Lillard. Allegedly, Toronto refused to include him – we’ll touch on that later. For now, let’s say that it feels obvious that the Blazers would like to add Anunoby to their roster.
Why wouldn’t they? He’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Shaedon Sharpe can function as a wing. That’s part of the equation for Portland here. They’re deciding that Sharpe and Scoot Henderson are their backcourt of the future. In doing so, they’re opting to pair that dynamic young backcourt with an elite defensive wing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, Portland may not be incentivized to tank. This team already has a surplus of young talent, and the small-market Blazers seldom go that route anyway. In that event, they won’t have any reservations about adding an impactful player who’s still young enough to grow with their core. Should the Raptors part with that impactful player?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We know what you’re thinking. If Toronto was unwilling to part with Anunoby for Lillard, why would they move him for Simons? Yet, there’s an obvious answer – Simons is much younger. He can be part of the future in Toronto.
That’s perfect. After all, Simons is the type of player that Toronto needs moving forward. This team needs a guard to create his own shot in half-court sets. Simons can do that – and he’s also one of the best shooters in the league. This is a good fit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers & Toronto Raptors Updates
Is Anunoby a good fit with Scottie Barnes? That’s been an endearing question for the Raptors. Even if they move Pascal Siakam, Barnes may impede Anunoby’s development. If the front office shares those concerns, they’d do well to flip Anunoby for Simons – as long as they’ve still got a relationship with the Blazers, of course.
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