The Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons is likely to get traded to the Miami Heat this offseason. The Blazers and the Heat have been linked with each other from day one of the NBA trade window for other reasons than this trade. Damian Lillard had requested a move to the Heat, and the two teams kept negotiating for nearly three months. But the Heat could not offer what the Blazers wanted, and Damian is on the Milwaukee Bucks’ roster now. Can the Heat acquire the other guard?
The IMG Academy product played 62 games for the Blazers last season and averaged 21.1 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Heat are actively looking for a guard, and if they have given up on landing a superstar, Anfernee can be a good option. Can they make it happen? Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Miami Heat involving Anfernee Simons.
What would the Heat offer for Anfernee Simons?
The Heat are expected to offer Duncan Robinson, Jaime Jacquez, Nikola Jovic, and one first-round pick each from the years 2027 and 2029 in exchange for the Blazers’ #1. The Blazers did not accept the Heat’s offers for Damian. Will they do the deal now?
Anfernee Simons 3PT Achievements:
— Most consecutive 3PT FGM in a single season in NBA History (13)
— 6th player in NBA History to record at least 5 games with 9+ 3PM
— Most 3PM in a game without a miss (9)@AnferneeSimons the most underrated shooter in the league‼️💪 pic.twitter.com/o2KOagbmdy
— Blazer Enthusiast (@BlazeEnthusiast) October 7, 2023
Why would the Heat like to sign Anfernee Simons?
Although the Heat made it to the NBA finals last season, nobody expects them to do it all over again. If the Heat want to prove everyone wrong, they need to add some talent to their existing squad. They are planning to build an inverted offense by putting a couple of shot-creators in the backcourt.
Players effective FG% on 10 or more shots crucial to game outcome (Clutch2):
Damian Lillard (71.4%)
Anfernee Simons (63.6%)Some other players FG%:
Steph (63.2%)
KD (60.0%)
Jokic (40.9%)
Giannis (36.4%)
Booker (42.9%)Who says Simons & Dame "aren't efficient in the clutch"! pic.twitter.com/Y6CM3TdVAy
— Blazer Enthusiast (@BlazeEnthusiast) October 10, 2023
Why would the Blazers trade-off Anfernee Simons?
The Blazers are set to rebuild in the post-Lillard era with Scoot Henderson as their key player. Also they were going to rely on the 24-year-old and some other youngsters but this deal gives them three decent players along with two draft picks. It would be hard to say no to such a deal.
Will the Blazers be able to make it to the playoffs without Damian? How will the Heat line up? We’ll keep you updated.
