Unlike in previous years, the Portland Trail Blazers have embraced their rebuild after trading All-Star guard Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. Turns out, they’re not done at all with their preference of trading either Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons at the soonest time possible.
In the wake of Lillard’s departure, the Trail Blazers faced a challenging season, missing the playoffs and finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 21-61 record. Hindered by injuries to key young players like Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton, Portland struggled on both ends of the court, particularly in field goal accuracy. The team’s projected cap space indicates a looming luxury tax concern, given the hefty contracts of players like Ayton and Malcolm Brogdon.
With the addition of UConn Huskies star Donovan Clingan from the 2024 Draft, Portland decided to add another big man to the mix for next season to address defensive gaps and offensive needs. In terms of free agency, retaining promising talents like Dalano Banton seems crucial, while trade talks involving veterans like Simons and Grant could reshape the team’s dynamics.
Looking ahead, the Trail Blazers are key trades without compromising financial stability. As the franchise navigates this critical off-season, strategic decisions, and player acquisitions will be pivotal in shaping their future competitiveness in the NBA landscape.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Plan For Anfernee Simons or Jerami Grant Revealed
Among the moves Portland is considering at this point in time is getting either Simons or Grant to another team. According to an article written by Joseph Zucker for Bleacher Report, that move can be made in the coming weeks.
Trading away guard Anfernee Simons or forward Jerami Grant before training camp is “definitely the goal” for the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian.
“Both being gone, that might be different,” he said during an appearance on The Drive Guys on Sactown Sports 1140. “They obviously have time. They can wait to the trade deadline and see if someone else will offer more.”
Last season, Simons averaged 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over the course of 46 games. For his part, Grant notched 21.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 54 games for the Trail Blazers.
With those numbers, both players will surely be worth something for another team in the NBA. It remains to be seen, though, who’ll be traded by Portland first before training camp eventually starts.
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