Will Simon's quietly request a trade?

[JRoy]

I’ve recently joined the Simons for Black trade supporters after looking at the Magic more closely. Simons is “win now” and young-ish and Orlando is exactly that after not being good for long enough. Portland can develop Black as a multi-position dude. No rush. His size, D, and versatility make up for probably never being a 20 point guy … AND Simons already is that volume scorer.

I didn’t know Anthony Black is listed at 6’7. Never really knew much about him.

What about Blazers also taking Cole Anthony back as well? Son of former Blazer Greg Anthony. Blazers get a backup PG & ‘point-wing’ in Black plus now they can use their picks to boost roster.

I hope not.

Tiny guard with weak playmaking, no d and and iffy shot.

[cdubbz]

If the Magic end up being trade partners for Simons - I wonder how many draft picks we could squeeze from them.

They own their own FRP every year going forward plus the Nuggets '25 FRP.

[Skybox]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

[JasonStern]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

All 3 of those are solid trade ideas.

That said, I still don't get why everyone wants to move Simons so badly. I understand we want to see Scoot and Sharpe starting. But Simons, Brogdon, and Grant are our 3 best players. Watching unwatchable basketball for 82 games just to get the 7th pick? Eh...

[Butter]

I dont see why the Magic would trade Black. Simmons perimeter shootomg is a perfect compliment TOO Black.

[The Sebastian Express]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

I would do all these trades. In truth I don't really feel you need to add a first along with Black. But maybe a good compromise is Black, anthony and just one first for Simons and Brogdon? But I'm also very high on Black.

[Skybox]

I dont see why the Magic would trade Black. Simmons perimeter shootomg is a perfect compliment TOO Black.

Suggs could've been All-Defense this year. I like Black a lot, but I'd trade excess defense from a defensive minded team to get some of that "death from above" that is SO lacking in ORL. Simons would open things up for Paolo & Franz to an amazing degree. I could definitely see a Black/Simons backcourt, but I'd prefer Suggs/Simons.

[Skybox]

ORL sends #18, Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, ORL 25 frp (top 5 protected), ORL 27 frp (top 8 protected)

POR sends #14, Simons, Brogdon

POR saves a ton of cap space, Cole fills the third guard role (that Simons is too good for), AB is long-term fit as a long, defensive ace at 1-3, with shooting & Playmaking projected to develop…plus two firsts.

[Blazinaway]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

I would do all these trades. In truth I don't really feel you need to add a first along with Black. But maybe a good compromise is Black, anthony and just one first for Simons and Brogdon? But I'm also very high on Black.

These seem like no brainer/no take back trades for Portlland! Last years 6 pick and a 1st and maybe some cap relied for Simons - I sat do it right now!

[HoopsFanAZ]

Black at 6’5.75” and a wingspan of 6’7.5” isn’t a big time scorer, but in a 3-guard line-up (and some at SF), he doesn’t have to be. He’s (IMHO) the better point-forward option who will shoot 3’s that Evan Turner would not. [ET is the same height and 6’8 wingspan]

[Butter]

I would much rather have '25 and '26 picks than Black.

The Blazers need to sheed contracts and stack the deck for picks next year.

[Norm2953]

Normally in these type of requested trades, a team will try to accomodate the player by sending him
to wherever he wishes to go.

If that's Orlando, it likely would be some version that Skybox has suggested. Black might be similar
to Castle in this draft

[BlazersBroncos]

I would much rather have '25 and '26 picks than Black.

The Blazers need to sheed contracts and stack the deck for picks next year.

Black is basically Castle but with better PG skills. He is a great fit as a connector and do-it-all guy when you project out that Scoot and Sharpe will likely be high usage.

If Black can improve his 3 he is basically a more athletic Joe Ingles, which is a hell of a fit on this team.

[Walton1one]

I would much rather have '25 and '26 picks than Black.

The Blazers need to sheed contracts and stack the deck for picks next year.

I agree, Black would be ok, but ORL really values him and I would rather pry the better of the two 25' picks (ORL or DEN) + a protected future 1st down the line (or a couple of 2nd rounders, 25'/26') that ORL has + a Wendell Carter JR than Black w\o one of those picks.

[zzaj]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

All 3 of those are solid trade ideas.

That said, I still don't get why everyone wants to move Simons so badly. I understand we want to see Scoot and Sharpe starting. But Simons, Brogdon, and Grant are our 3 best players. Watching unwatchable basketball for 82 games just to get the 7th pick? Eh...

Because watching 'Meh' basketball with Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton for the 22nd pick is much worse for a "rebuild".

[Skybox]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

All 3 of those are solid trade ideas.

That said, I still don't get why everyone wants to move Simons so badly. I understand we want to see Scoot and Sharpe starting. But Simons, Brogdon, and Grant are our 3 best players. Watching unwatchable basketball for 82 games just to get the 7th pick? Eh...

Because watching 'Meh' basketball with Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton for the 22nd pick is much worse for a "rebuild".

…and, you’d get assets that make more sense …not just give him away.

[JasonStern]

A few reasonable options (IMO) with ORL...

1) Black, DEN 25 frp for Simons...tremendous cap relief, a recent #6 defensive ace shooting 39% on low-volume, super long, fantastic attitude and personality. Could move all over the lineup, from PG to 3, due to size and defensive intensity. Nice complement to your top 2 guards and a nice add for developing a positive, energetic, defensive personality in POR.

2) Black & Cole Anthony for Simons...still save some salary, add a young vet in Cole, who can do much of what Simons probably projected as 3rd Guard, for half the salary. Black is a 6'7, quick-footed, versatile rookie with all kinds of potential upside.

3) Black, Cole Anthony, ORL 25 frp, DEN 25 frp for Simons & Brogdon...lots of cap relief, two young backcourt players, 2 frps

ORL knows what it needs and knows Simons is no savior but he can light it up from outside and create "enough" offense to take some off of our two 6'10 frontcourt creators. Paolo and Franz initiating all of the offense from iso is not a sustainable plan. Simons makes 3.

All 3 of those are solid trade ideas.

That said, I still don't get why everyone wants to move Simons so badly. I understand we want to see Scoot and Sharpe starting. But Simons, Brogdon, and Grant are our 3 best players. Watching unwatchable basketball for 82 games just to get the 7th pick? Eh...

Because watching 'Meh' basketball with Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton for the 22nd pick is much worse for a "rebuild".

Is it? We also have Sharpe, Scoot, and 2 lotto picks in this year's draft. Plus potential guys in Camara, Rupert, Murray, Banton. People keep saying last year was year 1 of the rebuild, but the rebuild started when we shut Dame down to tank for Sharpe. And all season, people kept posting how unwatchable this team was and how disinterested they became.

And I'm not saying don't trade Simons if the right deal came along. But I'd much rather watch Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton than a team of G-leaguers lose by 40 just to slide to 7th in the draft.

[Butter]

I would much rather have '25 and '26 picks than Black.

The Blazers need to sheed contracts and stack the deck for picks next year.

Black is basically Castle but with better PG skills. He is a great fit as a connector and do-it-all guy when you project out that Scoot and Sharpe will likely be high usage.

If Black can improve his 3 he is basically a more athletic Joe Ingles, which is a hell of a fit on this team.

That's why I have minimal interest in Castle. The Blazers will benefit from putting shooters around Scoot. If it's not building chances for 2025 picks, front court talent or shooters, I have limited interest.

[BlazersBroncos]

All 3 of those are solid trade ideas.

That said, I still don't get why everyone wants to move Simons so badly. I understand we want to see Scoot and Sharpe starting. But Simons, Brogdon, and Grant are our 3 best players. Watching unwatchable basketball for 82 games just to get the 7th pick? Eh...

Because watching 'Meh' basketball with Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton for the 22nd pick is much worse for a "rebuild".

Is it? We also have Sharpe, Scoot, and 2 lotto picks in this year's draft. Plus potential guys in Camara, Rupert, Murray, Banton. People keep saying last year was year 1 of the rebuild, but the rebuild started when we shut Dame down to tank for Sharpe. And all season, people kept posting how unwatchable this team was and how disinterested they became.

And I'm not saying don't trade Simons if the right deal came along. But I'd much rather watch Simons/Brogdon/Grant/Ayton than a team of G-leaguers lose by 40 just to slide to 7th in the draft.

I think we can remain competitive by simply keeping a few vets. As it stands this team is unwatchable. We have a gaggle of high usage, non needle moving, well paid vets doing nothing in the W column and providing little in terms of long term potential.

I think you can retain Brogdan, Thybulle, Ayton and probably RWIII while trading Simons and Grant and end up a team that isnt a Hinkie special in the G-League category while also not being a treadmilling unwatchable mess as we were last season.

And I sure as hell hope this was the 1st year of our rebuild. We are sitting in a spot where our 2 highly picked guys are far from sure things and the other youngsters are far from interesting (Banton was the 15th man in BOS, Kris looked like absolute nothing, Rupert is a ball of clay - really only Camara is that interesting and he is already 24 next year - he is literally only 2 years younger than SGA).

[Case2012]

Trade them all, get as many picks as possible and mimic OKC. We're bound to land a real star in this draft or the next. Granted we have plenty of young guys already but let them fight it out for a spot and see what they have instead of giving over paid role players star money to stunt the development of the guys we tanked for. Trade the seconds for another late first this year. Trade Brogdon, Grant, and Simons for picks next year and the year after while taking back as little salary as possible or take bad contracts in exchange for picks once we cash out the aforementioned vets. Let the young guys go lord of the flies for minutes. Competition will separate the weak from the strong. Once we have a few guys that look like stars. we can swing some big trades with all the picks we horded to build around their strengths.