The Portland Trail Blazers have various options to consider with their No. 3 overall pick. According to ESPN insider Jonathan Givony, the Blazers might prefer to hold onto the pick. However, The Athletic’s John Hollinger suggests a different perspective, indicating that the Blazers could potentially trade Anfernee Simons and the No. 3 pick to acquire a highly talented small forward.
Rather than selecting a young player, the Trail Blazers, who currently possess the pick, are actively looking to trade out of the third position.
As they are determined to compete and win for their star player Damian Lillard, and with a pressing need for skilled wing players (even assuming the re-signing of Jerami Grant), there is widespread speculation that a potential deal involving the third pick and Anfernee Simons could be pursued to acquire a top-tier small forward.
portland trail blazers trade rumors
Despite not winning the NBA Draft Lottery, the Portland Trail Blazers were lucky to secure the third overall pick in the upcoming draft. Instead of immediately focusing on rebuilding, the Blazers are considering using this pick to bring in an experienced player who can complement their star guard, Damian Lillard. According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, there is considerable speculation that the Blazers might trade the selection and potentially include 23-year-old guard Anfernee Simons in the deal.
There are two highly likely scenarios that have unfolded after the NBA Draft Lottery. The San Antonio Spurs emerged as the winners and it appears that selecting Victor Wembanyama is the obvious choice for them. On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers, who moved up in the draft but didn’t secure the top spot, have made it known that they are open to trading their No. 3 pick.
Damian Lillard has been vocal about his preference for the Blazers to trade the pick in exchange for immediate assistance from a seasoned player, and they are expected to have numerous options to consider. Much will depend on whether they can successfully re-sign Jerami Grant, but it is likely that they will actively pursue established contributors who can bring them closer to a championship. Here are a few potential options, ranging from unconventional possibilities to more probable choices.