The Portland Trail Blazers were supposed to send a star guard to the Miami Heat this summer. Everyone around the NBA was waiting for it.
The Blazers were supposed to send the Heat Damian Lillard. In the end, they’d send him to the Milwaukee Bucks instead. What happened? This is the era of player empowerment.
Lillard had publicly expressed an interest in joining the Heat. This was supposed to be a foregone conclusion. It wasn’t. The Bucks had a better offer, so they got the player.
That doesn’t mean that Miami doesn’t have the assets to trade for a star guard. Lillard was an ambitious target, but the Heat could get a nice player if they wanted. Perhaps they could even still trade with Portland for a star.
How about Anfernee Simons?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Anfernee Simons
The package that the Blazers received for Lillard was strong. It was also interesting. The Blazers were expected to prioritize young players and draft capital.
They got their draft capital, but Jrue Holiday wasn’t part of the plan. Unless, that is, he was. The Blazers didn’t waste time sending Holiday to the Boston Celtics.
As a result, they’ve got Malcolm Brogdon on their roster. This has been an interesting strategy. The Blazers keep acquiring veterans and then flipping them for worse veterans – and assets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
That makes sense. Now, the Blazers have an impressive collection of young talent. Still, most it looks years away from being able to contribute. Simons is an exception.
Should the Blazers send him away?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers don’t have to move Simons. He’s still young enough to be part of this team on a long-term basis. With that said, they could justify moving him too.
After all, Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe are likely the backcourt of the future. Their combined athleticism ought to make them a handful in a couple of seasons.
Sure, the Blazers could run Sharpe at the 3. That sounds like a recipe for a defensive disaster. The Blazers should be looking to add a wing alongside their exciting young backcourt.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
So, we’ve got them moving Simons. In return, they’re receiving a first-round pick and an expiring contract. That’s a fair return for a player like Simons.
Should the Heat give that package up?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
Last year, the Heat would have had to have given up more than this for Simons. He was playing like a star, and the trade market was different. Unfortunately, Simons is slumping this year.
A first-round pick is roughly fair value for him. After all, if he continues to slump, this could be a bad deal for Miami. There is a risk factor involved here.
On the other hand, if he can return to his previous form, this deal should make them vastly improved. Lowry is aging, and Simons is coming into his prime. He’s much more apt at creating his own shot at this stage in his career.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat Updates
Meanwhile, any playmaking deficiency that he has will be offset by the presence of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. Perhaps the Heat could acquire a guard from the Blazers after all.
