As the NBA offseason heats up, the Orlando Magic have set their sights on Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Simons has emerged as a prime target for the Magic as they look to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The 25-year-old, an Orlando native, would seamlessly fit into the Magic’s rebuilding timeline. Paired with young stars like Paolo Banchero (22) and Franz Wagner (23), Simons’ scoring ability and playmaking skills could elevate Orlando’s backcourt for years to come.
Simons is set to enter the final year of his four-year, $100 million contract with Portland. In the 2024-25 season, he played in 70 games, averaging 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game, shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
The Magic clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive year this season, but their postseason journey was short-lived. They lost to the Boston Celtics in the first round, continuing their struggle to break through in the Eastern Conference.
Simons, with his explosive scoring and ability to create for others, would provide the Magic with a reliable offensive weapon, complementing Banchero and Wagner. His playmaking ability could also be crucial in helping Orlando’s offense become more dynamic and efficient.
While the Blazers are in the midst of a rebuild, trading Simons would provide them with further flexibility as they continue to shape their future. For Orlando, adding a talented young guard like Simons could be the missing piece in their pursuit of a more competitive roster.
