Portland Trail Blazers Rising Star Placed on Trade Block Amid Scoot Henderson-Centered Rebuild?

There’s no denying that Simons is on the rise. The 24-year-old is coming off arguably his best season as a pro after averaging career-best numbers of 22.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in 2023-24.

Be that as it may, it now appears that the Blazers are open to the possibility of parting ways with the incoming seventh-year guard. This report comes via team insider Sean 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 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.

The Blazers seem intent on moving forward with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe as their starting backcourt, which leaves no room for the 6-foot-3 Simons in the starting lineup. This is likely why Portland is trying to see what type of assets they could get for him on the trade market.

At this point, it would not be a huge surprise if Simons ends up suting up for a different team to start the new season.