Anfernee Simons should be an essential piece for any team, especially his current team, the Portland Trailblazers, which is in rebuild mode.

However, the Blazers do not see him that way anymore. The franchise is reportedly looking to shop the 2021 Slam Dunk champion and focus more on younger players.

Blazers reporter Sam Highkin wrote about it in his July 4 article in the Rose Garden Report.

"Anfernee Simons' status is worth keeping an eye on. On draft night, Cronin said the Blazers are 'committed' to building around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, and didn't mention Simons' name."

Simons leaving Portland after six years appears to be a mutual decision, though. He's been in the NBA for six years and has yet to win a playoff series.

"Simons also appears open to a move-at his end-of-season exit interview in April, he said he wants 'the opportunity to win,' which is very plainly not where the Blazers are right now or will be in the next few years," Highkin added.

Simons showed growth with the Blazers, from 3.8 PPG in his first season to 22.6 points per game last season.

Cornerstone for Blazers

Portland, which finished last in the Western Conference last season, is going all out to build a team around Henderson.

Other players that could be on the move are Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle. Before that, they also let go of Malcolm Brogdon for Deni Avdija.

Aside from chasing youth, another reason is the salary.

Simons will earn $25.8 million in the new season, while Grant will get $29.7 million.

Aside from Henderson and Sharpe, the team is also banking on the growth of Donovan Clingan, who was picked 7th overall in the last NBA draft.