Photo: Portland Trail Blazers/X

Anfernee Simons, the latest addition to the Boston Celtics’ backcourt, had requested a trade out of Portland even before the 2024–25 NBA season began, according to a report by Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.

A source familiar with the situation told Washburn that Simons, who hails from the Orlando area, had initially set his sights on joining the Magic.

He was reportedly intrigued by the idea of returning closer to home and filling Orlando’s need for a scoring guard.

However, the Magic eventually filled that role by making a major move for Desmond Bane earlier in the offseason.

Though that opportunity passed, Simons still got what he was ultimately looking for: a fresh start with a new team, now as a member of the Celtics.

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