The Philadelphia 76ers inking Anfernee Simons to a two-year, $12 million deal has to be one of the best bargain contracts in the league. The eight-year veteran is coming off a pretty productive individual campaign this past season, yet the front office got him to play for the team at a below-market rate. However, he has a player option for the second year that he could surely decline, as the franchise is poised to give him the opportunity needed to secure a bigger payday.
Simons is expected to serve as the nominal sixth man for the 76ers this coming season thanks to his proven scoring ability. As such, he should have an ample opportunity to showcase his skills to the rest of the league, which is essentially what is necessary for him to net a bigger contract next summer. If anything, this partnership is definitely looking like he could end up being a one-year rental.
Anfernee Simons will likely be a one-year rental for the 76ers
This year's market was not exactly a strong one for guards who switched teams. Quentin Grimes, who moved from the 76ers to the Lakers, got the biggest payday out of all backcourt players who did not stay with their respective clubs, netting a salary worth $15 million annually. As such, while it is unusual, Simons not getting a contract at his market value had some credence to it.
With more teams set to have cap space next year, Simons's player option for the subsequent campaign will likely be declined by him and his camp. Really, the only factor that could likely cudgel him into exercising that and settling for a below-market rate is him getting injured for most of the year. From a purely basketball standpoint, though, he will have too prominent a role on the 76ers to not be able to bring out his skills.
The fact that Simons is playing for a strong title contender should also be a positive factor in his quest for a more lucrative deal. Teams highly value role players who can contribute to winning, and if he turns in a similar campaign to last season, front offices are going to be lining up for his services. Heck, he might even be a trade candidate this season.
Obviously, the 76ers are not exactly teeming with cap space moving forward. They have a pretty expensive nucleus to maintain, one that will soon require them to make roster cuts. As such, there is a high chance that they will not be able to offer Simons a new deal at his probable market rate.
For now, both the team and Simons have more immediate plans this coming season. That being said, this conundrum will come up whether they like it or not. Hopefully, the 76ers have a backup plan for when the more likely scenario materializes.
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