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76ers Ink Simons to Two-Year Deal, Add Bench Fire

7/3/2026

Summary

76ers Sign Simons

The Philadelphia 76ers signed guard Anfernee Simons on July 2, 2026 to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with a 2027-28 player option via the mid-level exception.
Simons, a 2018 first-round pick, averaged 14.3 points (44% shooting, 38.5% from three) in 55 games, ranking sixth in NBA bench three-pointers.
The signing addresses the 76ers’ bench scoring, follows the June 1 Paul George-for-Jaylen Brown trade, and puts the roster $5.2 million over the luxury tax.

Summary

Simons Joins 76ers

Simons said prolonged losing took a mental toll and he wanted a winning team after his four-year, $100 million contract ended.
He said his Portland-to-Boston trade was driven mainly by Celtics decision-maker Brad Stevens’ financial motives.
He noted that choosing Philadelphia over Miami surprised him given his Orlando roots and the Heat’s recent title.
Sources said Simons believed his skill set fit the revamped 76ers roster, especially the new backcourt trio.

History

Historical Context

After the 2011 collective-bargaining agreement—negotiated under Commissioner David Stern—introduced a luxury-tax system and a mid-level exception, the tax line rose to $71.7 million by the 2013-14 season. In 2026 the Philadelphia 76ers used that exception to sign Anfernee Simons for $12.3 million, pushing their payroll $5.2 million over the cap and forcing rivals such as the Boston Celtics to adjust.

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76ers Sign Simons

The Philadelphia 76ers signed guard Anfernee Simons on July 2, 2026 to a two-year, $12.3 million deal with a 2027-28 player option via the mid-level exception.
Simons, a 2018 first-round pick, averaged 14.3 points (44% shooting, 38.5% from three) in 55 games, ranking sixth in NBA bench three-pointers.
The signing addresses the 76ers’ bench scoring, follows the June 1 Paul George-for-Jaylen Brown trade, and puts the roster $5.2 million over the luxury tax.

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