I'm not sure if they do, but I would insist on Nogues coming back. Maybe the throw in a couple third round picks?
I think Orlando could still get Simons in a 3 team deal Simons to Orlando Suggs to a new team (descending contract) We get a pick from each team and take on some contracts could make sense?
Simons to Orlando doesn't make any sense for them now. They don't have a starting spot available any longer - so theres no reason to give up a FRP for a backup. They also are going to have major luxury tax issues with Bane/Wanger/Paolo all on $200 million contracts. They also don't need Ant's offense any longer with Bane. So you could argue role players like Isaac and Black with better defense are simply better for that team. Maybe Dallas or another team would make sense as an Ant destination - but the Orlando ship has sailed.
So is Bane better than Simons? Why would Orlando want Bane over Simons? assuming Simons was a possibility for them to acquire if they wanted him. Because Bane is a better defender?
Somebody suggests Dallas for Ant and that actually makes sense, provided we were prepared to take on a selection of these guys: As most of them have longer contracts than Anfernee's, Dallas might actually be keen. And they can certainly handle some defensive lapses on the perimeter with AD and CF patrolling the paint. But I'd hope they'd throw in a first rounder if it did happen.
Yes - without question Because Bane is a much better player and fits with the Orlando roster better. Not just a better defender. It's a gigantic difference. A good defender vs being a chair... Bane is also a better offensive player. It's not close IMO.
I'd honestly rather keep Anfernee than get that pile of manure. Or get Daniel Gafford and fuck the Lakers.
Yeah but that's a different thread. This thread is about trading Simons to Orlando which obviously wasn't going to happen.
What??? I don't think that's a bad trade at all. Knecht is a BALLER. Hachimura (expiring deal and he's still young) and Christie are both solid players.
I think they are fairly close offensively. from Google: In the 2024-25 NBA season, Desmond Bane and Anfernee Simons had very similar scoring averages, with Bane at 19.2 points per game and Simons at 19.3. However, Bane outperformed Simons in rebounds (6.1 vs 2.7) and field goal percentage (48.4% vs 42.6%). Simons had a slight edge in assists (4.8 vs 5.3).
Bane's defense is also getting over rated a bit. I'd say a neutral defender. Yes, obviously better than Ant. You have comparable offensive production, but Bane costs 36, 39, 42, 45 over the next 4 seasons. Anyone see Ant extending in Orlando at a number that high? And then like I said before, you can likely(at least from us fans) get Ant for 16. Or maybe even 25. You gave up 16, 3 more picks and a swap. So what would 3 picks and a wap, minus 16, fetch you? Maybe an upgrade at C over Goga and WCJ? Maybe it helps fill out your bench. Either way, all irrelevant now!
I don't love it, but keeping Anfernee means either we extend him, and block Scoot, or he walks for nothing. I think Rui can easily be flipped to another team. I think Knecht and Christie could both be decent bench pieces, both bringing decent outside shooting, and are 22 and 24, so still both young. I'd love to extract picks as well. But maybe there's multiple 2nds in a Rui deal that come back here. OMP was just for salary to make the deal work. Anyways, I don't love it. Might not even really like it. And I actually kind of like Ant, but it seems like it's run its course here, and bet to move along.