People seem to think it's inevitable, even though, as far as I know, there's no reputable rumors from either side. But here's a suggested trade to discuss that seems to come from an Orlando fan. Doesn't give us this year's #16, though:
Other Simons-to-Orlando stuff: https://www.si.com/nba/magic/what-orlando-magic-may-have-to-give-up-for-anfernee-simons-01jtnmk4e2b5 https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba...land-anfernee-simons/e826e52c1db44cda2792b8eb
Would we settle for that package just to get rid of Anfernee? I kind of like Goga, but the rest of the package is incredibly meh.
I just don't think that package makes much sense for us. I think we could really use a traditional backup PG behind Scoot and even though KCP seems pretty washed up I still think his shooting should have value for Orlando. So I think something like the Sporting News suggestion but instead: Ant to Orlando for Cole Anthony, Anthony Black and pick 25.
It's two (late) firsts, plus a decent backup combo guard. I would have no problem with that package, other than the fact that it's a lot of players that we don't really have room for.
the package suggested sent us Harris, not KCP. But yes, getting Black back would be better than Jett Howard. That just feels unlikely to me.
I gave the rumor some weight when I saw it on the Magic's team media sites and when Ant was at all their home playoff games. We'll see.
Oh no I hate the OP idea. I was referring to the idea from the Sporting News in the second post in this thread... not the Reddit one: "Orlando Magic Receive: G Anfernee Simons Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G Anthony Black, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2025 first-round pick (No. 25 overall via Denver Nuggets),"
Do we value Black more or #16? For the record I'd take either or both as the main piece in sending Ant out.
I know we're not getting it but I want both, maybe throwing in 2 or 3 future second round picks could net us Black, pick 16 and whatever salary that Orlando wants to move off of the most. If forced to choose I would take Black over the 16th pick. He does not buoy our shooting deficits but his skillset is perfect for our switching, pressuring, fast breaking system. If we traded Ant for him and no shooter coming back, then we'll have to draft a shooter with 11 or sign one with the MLE or Mini MLE.
I was super intrigued by Black in the draft and his rookie year. But I was very un impressed with him last season and he had tons of opportunities with the Orlando injuries to do more. Kind of thinking he'll be an irrelevant role player at best - I guess thats where the Blazers scouts need to earn their bacon. So I'd rather get an extra draft pick if I had the choice, especially if it wasn't heavily lottery protected (unlikely). But that KCP contract is pretty bad having $20 million in 2026-27 so if the difference is Black+ (Goga or decent contract) vs Protected pick & KCP I might prefer Black.
