When the Boston Celtics signed Mike Conley, the writing was on the wall. There would not be a reunion with Anfernee Simons.
While it's understandable that one would wonder whether they need another primary ball handler, they will optimize Conley without putting too much responsibility on his plate. Plus, Jayson Tatum is the prime example of how the team will rely on more than just its guards to soak up its usage rate.
Seeing Simons back in green would have been a beneficial move. He earned praise from all corners of the organization in his brief stint in Boston. However, the Miami Heat should feel the sting of his signing with the Philadelphia 76ers even more.
The 27-year-old guard will once again team with Jaylen Brown [who addressed his character attacks this offseason at his introductory press conference with the Sixers]. Simons signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract to take his talents to the City of Brotherly Love. That includes a player option in the second year of his deal.
Just in: Free agent guard Anfernee Simons has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, with a player option in second season, sources tell ESPN. Simons chose the 76ers over other suitors believing his fit is perfect with the revamped 76ers roster. pic.twitter.com/RUbhPzxxxp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
Anfernee Simons was exactly what the Heat needed
After gutting most of their roster to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami's primary need is shooting and ball handling. That's why, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, they made a run at the former Celtic.
Anfernee Simons had deals on the table from Miami and Golden State.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) July 2, 2026
The Warriors were offering him a minimum contract as they wait for word from LeBron James, sources told @ClutchPoints.
Simons wanted nothing less than $6M a year on a new deal, which is exactly what he gets.
What their offer was doesn't matter. The fact is, they didn't close the deal. Simons was exactly what they needed. Employing him in a sixth-man role, as Boston did, would have been sensible. But even now, it's unclear who will start in the backcourt alongside Davion Mitchell. Perhaps the answer isn't on the roster at the moment.
And while the Heat are hard-capped at the first apron, they still have $10.6 million to fill at least two openings. Pat Riley had a golden opportunity to bring the Florida native home.
Maybe they aren't to blame. Perhaps the quality of their offer wasn't the reason the eight-year veteran chose Philadelphia instead. However, his taking his talents to South Beach would have been a better outcome for the Celtics and their fan base.
Now, he'll anchor the second unit while complementing the likes of Brown and LeBron James. He'll do so on a title contender with a more promising outlook than Miami's, in this author's opinion. Even worse for Boston, they're in the division. The Celtics will square off against the Sixers four times in the regular season. History also suggests there's a good chance they'll see them again in the playoffs.
Just as the Heat missing out on Simons highlights a glaring need that could hurt them in the postseason, his presence in Philadelphia could simultaneously boost the 76ers and prove detrimental to the Celtics.
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