What happened: Free agent guard Anfernee Simons has agreed to a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, with a player option in the second season. Simons arrives as an immediate offensive lift for a Philadelphia bench that struggled to produce points last year.
Why it matters: The fit addresses a clear weakness: Philadelphia ranked in the bottom three in reserve scoring and 3-pointers made, and Simons profiles as a plug-in answer for both. He is the same Anfernee Simons drawn recently to the Celtics in trade chatter, now off the market on a modest short-term deal that keeps Philadelphia flexible.
By the numbers: Simons has averaged 18.8 points over the past five seasons and ranked sixth in 3-pointers made off the bench last year. The 76ers finished bottom three in the league in reserve scoring and reserve 3-pointers made.
What to watch: Watch how Philadelphia stages its second unit around Simons and whether the player option in year two signals a short trial or a longer partnership entering the 2026-27 season.