Wildcat wrote:3toheadmelo wrote:Wildcat wrote:
They're trying to cut cost. Simmons isn't on this roster pass next season.
Even if they don’t keep him it was a high way robbery deal for the Celtics.
I wouldn't call it highway robbery. Definitely one team got over the other, though. But I also think Portland is ran by a bunch of clowns.
Portland should have been the one getting draft compensation but I think this trade makes them better. They're trying to build with a defensive identity and Simons hurt that effort. They needed to move him. From the C's perspective, it's a flyer but mostly fake hustle while Tatum is out. I think they ultimately just take the cap relief and may even go in the tank this year.
I wouldn't be surprised if this trade has a similar effect on Portland that the Raptors moving Rudy Gay had over a decade ago. He was their top scorer iirc and they moved him and immediately improved with Lowry and DeRozan emerging in his absence. Blazers are hoping Deni, Sharpe, and Scoot take similar leaps.