West Rumors: Blazers, Anfernee Simons, Mavs, Warriors

Trail Blazers

It’s no secret the Trail Blazers are seeking help for star guard Damian Lillard this offseason, and they seem to know in order to get something good, you have to give up something.

We have already noted that GM Joe Cronin mentioned being open to trading the No. 3 overall draft pick (full post). Now comes word that the Blazers may be willing to not only deal the pick, but attach guard Anfernee Simons to it, per John Hollinger of The Athletic.

In exchange, the Blazers would be seeking an “elite” small forward, Hollinger added.

At this point, it’s hard to know who or what the Blazers could actually land. The No. 3 pick is expected to be either Alabama forward Brandon Miller or G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, whoever doesn’t go second to the Hornets.

But apparently, it’s something worth monitoring.

• As I wrote here, the Blazers have also been linked to the Bulls, who may be looking to move into the lottery (namely, at No. 3). The Bulls are attending Henderson’s pro day, leading some to believe they are thinking of a roster overhaul.

Mavericks

While there’s been plenty of talk of the Mavericks shopping their No. 10 pick for immediate veteran help, it’s not a definite at this point.

Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Mavs want to evaluate their options at No. 10 before making a firm decision on shipping it off.

But that evaluation could be quick. Instead, rival GMs appear to believe Dallas will offer some combination of the pick and either Tim Hardaway Jr., Davis Bertans or JaVale McGee, per Stein.

• The Mavs reportedly have an interest in Suns center Deandre Ayton, who is expected to shop this summer. But Stein reported that Mavs’ interest appears to be “overstated at this point.”
• Either way, it’s pretty clear the Mavs would like to add a veteran center to play alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who they hope to re-sign. That’s especially the case with big man Christian Wood set to hit free agency.

Warriors

• The Warriors very well could look to trade guard Jordan Poole, who’s coming off a rocky playoff showing. But trading Poole wouldn’t be so easy, wrote Shayna Rubin of the San Jose Mercury News.
• Poole did at times frustrate his coaches and teammates, Rubin added. But overall, he seems well-liked by the Warriors. “He helped us win a lot of games. He helped us win a championship a year ago,” coach Steve Kerr said, via Rubin. “He would be the first to admit it wasn’t his best season. But that’s how these things go. That’s how careers go.”
• In case you missed it, there’s still a lot going on with GM Bob Myers — or in the Warriors’ case, perhaps not enough going on. As I wrote here, the Wizards have strong interest in Myers.