One NBA writer is proposing that the Orlando Magic acquire 2021 Slam Dunk Contest winner Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Blazers and Magic:
The Orlando Magic trade Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons
Several NBA scouts believe Simons is better suited to play somewhere else since the Blazers have Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe on the roster. Simons averaged 21.1 points last season 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 NBA 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic Updates
Portland was open to trading Simons and the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for a star player. However, no trade happened and Damian Lillard was upset. Lillard requested a trade from the Blazers and was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Portland is now in rebuild mode in the post-Lillard era. The franchise is building around Henderson, Sharpe and newcomer Deandre Ayton. Simons, who made 212 3-pointers last season, could be the scorer and shooter the Magic need to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic Updates
Orlando could start Simons, Markelle Fultz, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. if the Magic’s front office figured out a way to acquire Simons from the Blazers.
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