While the NBA offseason has been very quiet for the The Cleveland CavaliersThey were able to do a lot of internal work.
Of course, the biggest moves of the offseason were the contract extensions of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, the team could be willing to make another move if the right fit presents itself.
If they are willing to make a big transfer before the season, one name to watch could be Portland Trail Blazers dynamic guard Anfernee Simons.
Rumors have swirled this offseason that the Trail Blazers might be willing to trade him for a nice deal. If that’s the case, the Cavaliers should reach out to them and make them an offer.
Simons would be a major asset for Cleveland and could be a starter or sixth man. He would relieve Mitchell in the starting five, or could be a potential 20-point-per-game scorer off the bench.
If the Cavaliers and Trail Blazers are serious about trading together, here’s a potential trade that could work.
Cleveland Cavaliers host: Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, 2025 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
During the 2023-24 NBA season with Portland, Simons had a great performance. He ended up averaging 22.6 points per game, along with 5.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds. In addition to those averages, he shot 43% from the field and connected on 38.5% of his three-point attempts.
Adding those numbers to the roster would help Cleveland take a big step forward in the Eastern Conference.
Giving up LeVert and replacing him with Simons would be an immediate upgrade. Wade is a quality role player, but he would be worth moving in this kind of deal.
At just 25 years old, Simons could be a key piece of the Cavaliers’ future. He has one year left on his contract after this upcoming season and could be signed long-term if his deal proves to be as good as it seems.
Granted, this is all speculation. However, if the Trail Blazers are willing to make Simons available, he is a player Cleveland should seriously consider pursuing.
It’s quite possible that the Cavaliers are done making big moves this offseason. They can be happy with the roster they have built. But if they want to make a big trade, Simons would be a perfect candidate.
