Rebuilding an NBA team isn’t easy. A general manager has a lot to consider. They need to acquire as much talent as possible, but they also need to make sure that talent fits together.
Look at the Portland Trail Blazers. This team has ample backcourt talent. Do they have too many guards? Can Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons co-exist in the longterm?
By contrast, the Charlotte Hornets are still looking for the ideal backcourt partner for LaMelo Ball. If they could find that player, the Hornets could have a bright future by building around Ball and Brandon Miller. Could they acquire Simons from the Blazers?
NBA Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Davis Bertans, C Nick Richards, 2025 First-Round Pick (CHA), 2027 First-Round Pick (CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Anfernee Simons
The Blazers are used to having a surplus of guard talent. This has largely been their identity for years. Before this era of Blazers basketball, the team was built around guards.
We’re talking about Damian Lillard. He’s arguably the best player in the history of this franchise. Meanwhile, the Blazers paired him with CJ McCollum to overwhelm opponents with guard-driven offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Those were some exciting teams. At the same time, Portland’s lack of size in the backcourt was often exploited in the playoffs. Should they avoid repeating a mistake by moving Simons now?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
If Portland did commit to a Henderson/Sharpe backcourt, they would be avoiding that issue. Sharpe is a tall guard. Henderson is shorter, but his unique positional strength could lend itself to some defensive advantages.
At the same time, the Blazers are taking a leap of faith here. Both Henderson and Sharpe have flashed potential, but neither is proven. On the other hand, Simons is already a star-caliber contributor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
That’s why the Blazers are landing two unprotected firsts here as well. In the end, this deal should improve their future while balancing their roster at the same time. Should the Hornets send them that draft capital?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
The Hornets have been rebuilding for some time. This is a perennial lottery team. Yet, if you squint, you can see a bright future in Charlotte.
Ball is already a superstar producer – he’s just injury-prone. If he could get healthy, he’s capable of piloting an elite offense. With a floor spacing, shot-creating wing like Miller next to him, that will be even easier.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets Updates
What if he had an elite floor spacing, shot-creating guard next to him? With some injury luck, this deal should launch the Hornets into the playoffs. Meanwhile, Simons is young enough to grow with the rest of this core. That sounds like a smart rebuilding plan to us.
