The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off one of the best bargains in free agency when they inked Anfernee Simons to a two-year, $12.2 million deal. One of the best scoring guards in the market, the 27-year-old will be counted on to carry the scoring load for the team's second unit. That being said, he might actually end up contributing to the team the most by being a trade chip.
Simons has a player option on the second year of his deal, which makes him a candidate for teams in need of a rental. And with the 76ers having some players who can burst into the scene as his immediate replacements, there is definitely a strong possibility that the front office will look into shipping him elsewhere before the trade deadline.
The 76ers already have a strong trade chip in Anfernee Simons
Simons split time last season between the Celtics and the Bulls, averaging 14.3 points and 2.4 assists on 38.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc in just under 25 minutes a night. He showcased his skill as a combo guard who can score from all three levels. That is the kind of package the 76ers are getting from him. Well, that is also what prospective bidders can expect to line up for, albeit with the added benefit of not needing to break the bank.
If, say, rookie guard Labaron Philon Jr. ends up faring much better than expected in his freshman campaign, or if the coaching staff decides to bring VJ Edgecombe off the bench, Simons could be a luxury they can afford to dangle away. That will allow the front office to at least recoup some assets for him, especially since it would be difficult to keep him anyway.
Furthermore, at the midseason point, the front office will already have a clearer idea of the more pressing needs the team has to address. And assuming that either of the earlier propositions come true, their backcourt will probably already have a logjam anyway.
For now, the 76ers will need Simons to bring some much-needed firepower off the bench, which is something they sorely lacked in recent years. However, when all is said and done, there is a strong chance that his best contribution to the team ends up coming as a chip on the transaction tables. That is perhaps the clear consequence of the front office acquiring his services for dirt cheap.
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