For some NBA teams, the future is bright. For other teams, the future is now. Even then, some teams are in between those two extremes.
Take the Houston Rockets. This team is still primarily focused on the future. The Rockets have a surplus of young players who they’re hoping will develop into stars. On the other hand, they’re focused on winning as well. The Rockets signed veteran free agents this summer intending to take a step forward.
By contrast, the Portland Trail Blazers are all about the future. They’ve got an impressive collection of young talent in their own right, but they have no win-now ambitions. Could they send Anfernee Simons to the Rockets?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, G/F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: G Anfernee Simons
With that said, the Rockets have been a future-focused team for quite some time. After all, the present has been bleak. The Rockets were one of the worst teams in the NBA for three consecutive seasons before 2023-24.
That was largely by design. The plan in Houston has been simple. This team set out to tank for lottery picks until this year. After all, this was the summer when the Rockets suddenly had an influx of cap space. The fact that they owe their next pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder – with protections – influenced the plan as well.
Was this the right plan? It’s a matter of debate. Some have argued that Houston is lowering their future ceiling by relying on veterans now. Others have said that getting their young players some experience winning games is invaluable. Would adding Simons help them win more games?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Without any question. Simons would be the best off-guard on this roster. Yet, that points to one problem the Rockets have been dealing with in 2023-24. They’ve transitioned into winning basketball, but Jalen Green appears to be behind the curve.
Are they replacing him here? Not necessarily. They’re bringing in his competition. After acquiring Simons, Green would likely be tasked with leading the second unit. If he wants to get back into the starting lineup, he’ll have to earn his place.
In the meantime, adding an elite shooter like Simons ought to blow this offense wide-open. Simons will benefit from Alperen Sengun’s on-ball gravity, and he’ll give Sengun a more reliable target for his pinpoint passes. He’ll also give the Rockets another shot-creator. Should Portland part with such a useful player?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
The Blazers should be focused on the future. So, they need to have a vision of what their future will look like. Can Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Simons co-exist on the same team?
It’s possible. Sharpe has the size to play the 3. Still, it feels possible that the Blazers will eventually opt to pair Henderson and Sharpe in the backcourt alongside a true wing. Given that he’s slightly older, Simons could be the odd man out.
In that event, flipping him for draft capital seems like a sensible decision. A pair of first-round picks and a swap ought to be his market value. In time, those assets will help the Blazers start winning games – for now, they’ll look forward to that moment.
