This Blazers-Jazz trade proposal swaps two intriguing scorers

One NBA writer is proposing that the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz make a blockbuster trade centered on Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Blazers trade Simons to the Jazz for Sexton and a 2024 first-round pick.

“The Jazz’s side of this exchange is easy,” Hughes wrote. “Simons’ 38.7 percent career clip from deep and improving playmaking chops make him a clean fit as the starting point guard. With Walker Kessler anchoring things behind him, Simons’ defensive deficiencies will be far less damaging than they’d be in Portland, where he’d probably be ticketed for third-guard duties anyway.

“These are two fairly similar players from the same draft class, but Simons has been more durable of late and exhibits an upward trending stat line that peaked this past season with averages of 21.1 points, 4.1 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game. Sexton, partly due to injuries and last year’s bench role, has seen his scoring average fall for three straight seasons.”

Simons appeared in 62 games for the Blazers last season. He averaged 21.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 44.7% overall, 37.7% from beyond the arc and 89.4% from the free-throw line.

Meanwhile, Sexton played in 48 games for the Jazz in 2022-23. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.2 boards and 2.9 assists while shooting 50.6% from the field, 39.3% from 3 and 81.9% from the free-throw line.

Both Simons and Sexton have been in trade rumors this summer. The Blazers were open to moving Simons and the third overall pick in the 2023 draft for a star player, but no deal was made. Meanwhile, the Jazz made Sexton available in trade talks during the draft as well.

It will be fascinating to see where Simons and Sexton are playing next season. The Blazers are currently dealing with Damian Lillard’s trade request, so they will likely take care of Simons’ future later.