Portland Trail Blazers eye blockbuster trade for Anfernee Simons
The Portland Trail Blazers have built a reputation for making significant trades, and 2024 might see them capitalize on that trend once again. Following the high-profile deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks last offseason, the Blazers have turned their attention to Anfernee Simons, who could be the centerpiece of a major trade this year.
Simons’ Rising Stock
Currently, Simons is averaging 13.1 points per game, showcasing an impressive shooting slash of 43/39/88. His performance has captured the attention of the Boston Celtics, who find themselves in a precarious position as they weigh their options. As the trade deadline approaches, the Celtics are under pressure to either deal Simons or risk losing him in free agency next offseason. Kevin Stephan from Chowder and Champions highlights this urgency, noting, “Simons has done his job in Boston. Now his biggest value may be helping the Celtics land the final piece they need to stay in the contender tier.”
The Celtics’ Pursuit of a Win-Now Move
With the Celtics currently sitting at 15-10 and the potential return of Jayson Tatum on the horizon, Boston’s front office, led by Brad Stevens, is actively seeking a win-now upgrade. Initially, Stevens faced pressure to trade Simons simply to navigate the team’s financials under the luxury tax apron. However, the focus has shifted to leveraging Simons’ value to acquire a player who could significantly impact their title aspirations, such as Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jrue Holiday’s Role in Portland’s Future
In the wake of the Simons trade, the Trail Blazers brought in veteran guard Jrue Holiday, whose presence could prove invaluable if he remains in Portland throughout the duration of his contract. Holiday has been performing admirably, posting averages of 16.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds with a shooting line of 45/36.5/84. Prior to a recent calf strain, he had been enjoying his best player efficiency rating (PER) since his days with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Should Holiday maintain his level of play as he ages, he could serve as a crucial backcourt asset alongside the promising Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Furthermore, his experience could benefit younger players like Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija as they develop within the organization.
Looking Ahead
While the Blazers currently have no immediate plans to trade Holiday, the trajectory of the team’s performance will dictate future decisions. If Portland fails to find consistent success, it may ultimately fall on the shoulders of a new front-office leader to make the tough calls regarding their roster. As the trade deadline looms, the focus will remain on how the Blazers navigate this pivotal moment in their franchise’s evolution, especially with the potential blockbuster trade involving Anfernee Simons hanging in the balance.
