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Simons Snubs Warriors, Ignites 76ers’ Worst Nightmare
Anfernee Simons’ Big Decision: Why Signing with the 76ers Might Be a Mistake
The Quick Version
Imagine you’re really good at basketball—like, score-20-points-a-game good. You’re a free agent, meaning you can choose any team. Two teams want you:
-
Team A (Golden State Warriors): They’re a bit older and banged up, but they desperately need someone to score points. You’d be the third most important player on offense right away.
- Team B (Philadelphia 76ers): They just added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a team that already has Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. You’d be the sixth option at best.
Anfernee Simons chose Team B. He signed a two-year, $12.3 million deal with Philly before knowing what LeBron would do. Now, with LeBron and Jaylen Brown both in Philly, Simons is buried on the depth chart—and his next big payday might be in jeopardy.
What Happened, Step by Step
- Free agency opens — Simons is available after five seasons in Portland where he averaged nearly 19 points per game.
- Warriors come calling — Golden State, missing Jimmy Butler (torn ACL), wants Simons as a primary scorer behind Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porziņģis.
- Simons says "no thanks" quickly — He doesn’t wait to see where LeBron James signs. He commits to Philadelphia on a modest two-year, $12.3 million deal.
- LeBron joins the 76ers — The 41-year-old superstar chooses Philly, followed by Jaylen Brown.
- The depth chart stacks up — Simons now sits behind Maxey, Brown, Embiid, James, and even rookie V.J. Edgecombe in the offensive pecking order.
Why the Warriors Made Sense for Simons
Important Point: Role and opportunity matter more than team prestige when you’re betting on your next contract.
- Clear path to shots: With Butler out, Golden State had a gaping hole at "third scorer." Simons fills it perfectly.
- Proven system: Steve Kerr’s offense creates open looks for catch-and-shoot guards—exactly what Simons does best.
- Contract leverage: A 20-point season in Golden State likely earns him a $15–20 million per year deal next time. In Philly? He might not even crack 12 points a game.
Why Philadelphia Is a Tough Fit
| Factor | What It Means for Simons |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | Ball-dominant, 41 but still elite playmaker |
| Jaylen Brown | All-NBA wing who needs touches |
| Joel Embiid | MVP-caliber center, offense runs through him |
| Tyrese Maxey | Rising star guard, ball in his hands constantly |
| V.J. Edgecombe | Athletic rookie who’ll get developmental minutes |
Result: Simons becomes a "luxury piece"—only used when stars rest or get hurt. That’s not how you earn a max contract.
The "Rushed Decision" Problem
According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bonta Hill on the Dubs Talk podcast:
"Simons said no to the Warriors. Simons was like, ‘I’d rather go to Philadelphia.’ And who can be mad at players using other destinations when you look at this roster being older on paper?"
Translation: Simons prioritized contender status now over role and future earnings. But contenders don’t guarantee playing time—and without playing time, you don’t get paid.
Summary
- Simons is a legit scorer (~19 PPG last five years)
- Warriors offered a starring role (3rd option, lots of shots)
- 76ers offered a bench role (6th option, limited touches)
- Simons chose Philly quickly without waiting on LeBron’s decision
- LeBron + Jaylen Brown arrived, burying Simons further
- Future contract value at risk — hard to prove you’re worth $20M/year playing 18 minutes a night
FAQ
Q: Why would Simons reject Golden State if they needed him more?
A: He likely valued Philadelphia’s "championship-ready" roster and didn’t want to wait for LeBron’s decision. Sometimes players prioritize winning now over individual opportunity.
Q: Is $12.3 million over two years a bad contract?
A: It’s a team-friendly deal. For a player who made $20M+ annually in Portland, it’s a significant pay cut—but he bet on himself to earn more later. That bet looks riskier now.
Q: Can’t Simons still get minutes if Embiid or LeBron get injured?
A: Yes, but that’s reactive opportunity, not guaranteed role. And even then, he’s behind Maxey, Brown, and Edgecombe. Injury luck isn’t a career strategy.
Q: What’s the "Play-In Tournament" mentioned in the article?
A: It’s a mini-tournament for the 7th–10th seeds to fight for the final playoff spots. The article suggests Golden State might barely make it—meaning they’re not a guaranteed contender.
Q: Who is V.J. Edgecombe?
A: A rookie guard drafted by Philadelphia in 2024. High upside, athletic, and likely to get developmental minutes ahead of a veteran like Simons in a crowded backcourt.
Final Thought: In the NBA, minutes = money. Simons chose a team where minutes are scarce. Only time will tell if the ring-chase was worth the pay cut.
