The Portland Trail Blazers were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season, despite their plethora of young talent.
They might tweak their roster and change their lineup before the new season kicks off and may part ways with one of their biggest stars.
According to Sean Highkin, per NBACentral, Anfernee Simons is “a name to watch on the trade market.”
“Simons also appears open to a move—at his end-of-season exit interview in April, he said he wants ‘the opportunity to win,’ which is very plainly not where the Blazers are right now or will be in the next few years,” Highkin wrote.
Anfernee Simons is a name to watch on the trade market, per @highkin
“Anfernee Simons’ status is worth keeping an eye on. On draft night, Cronin said the Blazers are ‘committed’ to building around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and didn’t mention Simons’ name. Simons also… pic.twitter.com/IGoZpem91f
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 5, 2024
Simons just spent his sixth season with the Blazers, averaging 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on 43% from the field and 38.5% from the three-point line.
He joined the team at an interesting, complicated time, with questions swirling around his former teammate, Damian Lillard.
Simons gradually got better with the Blazers and many people thought he could be the future of the team.
Calls for him to get even more responsibility only grew when Lillard finally left the team last summer for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Although Simons had another good season, it seems like he might be saying goodbye to Portland soon.
Highkin mentioned that the Blazers are focused on a future revolving around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, which means there simply may not be room for Simons in their grand plans.
Where will he go and will he be able to play with a team that is truly competing for a championship?
Simons’ future is up in the air and more news about him is expected soon.