Every NBA rebuild is different. The end goal is the same. In time, every team wants to contend for the NBA title. Yet, several different paths are available for a team to get there.
The Portland Trail Blazers are in the process of choosing their path. This team is in the infancy stage of a rebuild. In time, they’ll need to decide on their time frame.
Is this organization open to a long-term process, or should they try to expedite their rebuild? On the other hand, the Detroit Pistons should be nearing the end of their rebuild.
Yet, their record suggests otherwise. The Pistons are the worst team in the NBA – again. By now, this long-suffering franchise could justify making a win-now move whether they’re ready.
Could that move be for Anfernee Simons of the Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Portland Trail Blazers’ Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G/F Joe Harris, C James Wiseman, 2026 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G Anfernee Simons, G/F Matisse Thybulle
Let’s look at some other rebuilding teams around the league. How are they functioning? Are they prioritizing organic growth, or are they forcing the issue?
Take the Houston Rockets. This team is dramatically better than they were last year. That’s largely because they signed Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks this summer.
The Rockets aren’t exactly growing organically, but they’re still growing. This team’s young core is getting valuable experience simply by winning NBA games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons Updates
So, the Rockets may be in a good position. They may also envy the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic. Both of those teams are rapidly improving, and they’re doing it without the help of veterans.
Should the Pistons insist on following that model?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Well, that was the goal for the Pistons. They aren’t reaching it. This team is practically unwatchable. The Pistons look years away from competing for an NBA championship. They may want to expedite the process.
If so, Simons could be a sensible addition. Granted, he’s having a down year. That’s fine. If he wasn’t, he may cost the Pistons multiple firsts. Since he’s underperformed in 2023-24, this could be a buy-low opportunity for Detroit.
In theory, Simons would be the perfect addition to this team. Before this season, he was among the best shooters in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons Updates
Simons will still have the type of three-point gravity that will make life easier for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, and he can also create his own shot.
Should the Blazers give him up?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
Simons is 24. That’s an awkward age for a team that’s newly rebuilding. The Blazers could see Simons as part of their young core. On the other hand, they could also justify viewing him as being outside of their timeline.
With Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe on the roster, that holds especially true. Sure, Henderson has struggled as a rookie – that’s to be expected from a point guard.
The Blazers still need to gamble on his upside. If Henderson doesn’t hit, this will be a long rebuild anyway. So, they’re clearing the runway for him by moving Simons.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons Updates
It’s worth taking a flyer on Wiseman, but the real value here is in an unprotected first. It could be an especially valuable pick if the Pistons don’t get their rebuild together soon.
