**BREAKING NEWS: Anfernee Simons Officially Announces Return to Portland Trail Blazers in Summer Blockbuster Trade**
In a move that has sent seismic ripples throughout the NBA world, **Anfernee Simons** — the dynamic, high-scoring guard — has officially announced his **return to the Portland Trail Blazers** in what is being dubbed one of the most emotionally charged and surprising trades of the 2025 offseason.
After a brief stint away from Rip City, Simons’ homecoming to the franchise that drafted and developed him is being celebrated by fans, embraced by teammates, and viewed across the league as a signal that the Blazers are ready to reclaim their identity — and their future.
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### 🏀 From Rising Star to Full Circle: Simons’ Journey
Simons, 26, was initially drafted by Portland in 2018 and spent seven seasons developing into one of the NBA’s most exciting scoring guards. After averaging **21.1 points per game** in the 2023–24 season and forming a promising backcourt with young phenom **Scoot Henderson**, Simons was traded to an Eastern Conference team last year in a deal that centered around draft assets and a cap restructuring.
While the move was strategic for the Blazers’ long-term rebuild, fans were heartbroken. Simons had become more than a player — he was a symbol of Portland’s transition from the Damian Lillard era into a new chapter of youth, athleticism, and swagger.
His return, now official following weeks of speculation, feels like a redemption arc, both for the franchise and for Simons himself.
> **“Portland is home,”** Simons said at his press conference on Tuesday, held at the Blazers’ facility. **“I never stopped loving this city. I’m back — and I’m all in.”**
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### 🔁 The Blockbuster Trade: What Happened
According to multiple sources, the trade that brought Simons back was part of a **three-team deal** involving the **Charlotte Hornets** and **Phoenix Suns**. Here’s a breakdown of the full trade:
**➡ Portland Trail Blazers Receive:**
* **Anfernee Simons (from Hornets)**
* 2026 second-round pick (via Phoenix)
**➡ Charlotte Hornets Receive:**
* Kris Murray
* 2025 first-round pick (top-10 protected)
* Cap relief through trade exception
**➡ Phoenix Suns Receive:**
* RFA rights to Matisse Thybulle
* Cash considerations
This trade was months in the making, according to league insiders, and was finalized after Simons privately expressed interest in returning to Portland. His contract includes a **player option in 2027**, giving him the flexibility to remain long-term while aligning with the team’s developmental timeline.
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### 💬 Emotional Return: Simons Speaks to the Fans
During his first public appearance back in Portland, Simons couldn’t hold back his emotions.
> **“This city watched me grow up,”** he said, pausing to fight tears. **“From a kid coming out of high school to a man on and off the court. I never felt like I left — because the love never stopped.”**
Simons added that he had remained in close contact with Blazers players and coaches throughout his short time away, particularly with **Scoot Henderson**, whom he now sees as a “little brother and future MVP.”
> **“Scoot texted me every week. Even when we weren’t teammates, we were brothers,”** Simons shared. **“I can’t wait to run it back with him.”**
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### 🧠 Why Portland Wanted Him Back
Trail Blazers General Manager **Joe Cronin** called the move “a no-brainer.”
> **“Anfernee represents everything we want to be: talented, tough, loyal, and Portland through and through,”** Cronin said. **“Our roster has young stars, and Anfernee brings scoring, leadership, and the ability to elevate everyone around him.”**
With Simons back, Portland now boasts a young but dangerous core:
* **Scoot Henderson (PG, 21)**
* **Anfernee Simons (SG, 26)**
* **Shaedon Sharpe (SF, 22)**
* **Deandre Ayton (C, 27)**
* **Rayan Rupert (G/F, 21)**
Analysts are already placing Portland among the **NBA’s most improved teams** heading into the 2025–26 season.
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### 📈 What This Means for Portland’s Future
Simons’ return signals a **shift from rebuilding to competing**. While the Blazers remain young, they now have the offensive firepower and chemistry to challenge for a playoff spot.
His ability to stretch the floor, create off the dribble, and score at will will be vital in complementing Scoot Henderson’s explosive playmaking. Coach **Chauncey Billups** called Simons “the glue we were missing.”
> **“We’ve got speed, we’ve got talent, but we needed that bridge — someone who understands the culture and can lead in the locker room,”** Billups said. **“That’s Ant.”**
Additionally, Simons brings much-needed stability on the perimeter, as well as a mentor role for players like **Duop Reath** and **Malcolm Brogdon**, who continue to play key supporting roles.
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### 🌍 League-Wide Reaction
NBA players and pundits have reacted with praise and excitement to the news:
* **Damian Lillard**, Milwaukee Bucks: *“Ant going home. That’s real love. Portland fans deserve this.”*
* **CJ McCollum**, Pelicans: *“Always knew Ant was built for greatness. That city is lucky to have him back.”*
* **Stephen A. Smith**: *“This is a culture move. Portland might be a problem in the West.”*
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### 🏆 Simons’ Personal Growth
Since being drafted straight out of IMG Academy, Simons has consistently improved each season. Known for his elite vertical leap, deep shooting range, and fearless scoring, he’s become more than just a scorer.
In 2023–24, he posted career highs in:
* **Assists per game: 6.2**
* **Three-point percentage: 40.1%**
* **Win shares: 7.4**
More importantly, he matured off the court. Simons launched his own **youth mentorship foundation**, worked with underserved communities, and remained one of the league’s most humble rising stars.
> **“I know who I am,”** he said during the presser. **“I know what I bring. I’m not trying to be the next Dame or CJ. I’m trying to be the best version of Ant — and that’s more than enough.”**
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### 🛡️ Blazers Rebuild with Identity and Integrity
The return of Simons is symbolic. It marks a turning point in Portland’s multi-year rebuild and reaffirms the organization’s identity — one rooted in hard work, loyalty, and continuity.
Fans lined up outside the team store within an hour of the announcement, with Simons jerseys selling out by midday. Season ticket renewals spiked 40% in 24 hours, and “Welcome Home, Ant” banners were draped over downtown buildings.
> **“It’s not just about basketball,”** said longtime fan Marcus Hill. **“It’s about home. He’s one of us.”**
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### 🔮 What’s Next for the Trail Blazers?
With Simons back, expectations are rising fast. The front office is expected to explore further trades to strengthen the frontcourt and possibly bring in a veteran shooter.
The team’s goals for the 2025–26 season are no longer just development — but **postseason contention**.
The Trail Blazers’ media day will feature Simons as the team’s new co-captain alongside Henderson and Ayton. Training camp opens in six weeks, and the energy in Portland is already electric.
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### 🎙️ Final Word from Simons
Before wrapping up his press conference, Simons delivered a message that summed up his mindset — and reignited hope for an entire city.
> **“This isn’t just a reunion. This is a mission. I’m not coming back to be comfortable. I’m coming back to lead. And we’re going to shock a lot of people.”**
Welcome back, Anfernee Simons. Portland missed you.
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