One day after trading for Jaylen Brown, the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t done making moves. On Thursday, Philly agreed to terms with free agent Anfernee Simons on a two-year, $12.3 million deal.
Simons had also attracted interest from the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Dallas Mavericks, but will be suiting up alongside his former Celtics teammate Brown on the 76ers next season.
NBA World Stunned As Anfernee Simons Joins Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia
With Brown, Simons, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and V. J. Edgecombe on the roster, Philadelphia has a strong case as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference next season. ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania shared the news of the signing on social media, noting that Simons “chose the 76ers over other suitors believing his fit is perfect with the revamped 76ers roster.”
The NBA world was left stunned at the news, with PFN’s deputy editor Alex Kennedy reacting in disbelief at the 76ers’ offseason.
“Holy [expletive]. Philly is loaded,” Kennedy wrote.
Holy shit. Philly is loaded. https://t.co/0Da5Qg70lC
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 2, 2026
“Traded for Jaylen Brown, drafted Labaron Philon Jr., signed Dean Wade, signed Ariel Hukporti, signed Anfernee Simons. Philly is absolutely cooking this offseason,” wrote Hoop Central.
– Traded for Jaylen Brown
– Drafted Labaron Philon Jr.
– Signed Dean Wade
– Signed Ariel Hukporti
– Signed Anfernee SimonsPhilly is absolutely cooking this offseason.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 2, 2026
There was also praise for 76ers president Mike Gansey, who replaced Daryl Morey earlier this year.
“Mike Gansey since replacing Morey: fleeced boston for Jaylen Brown, drafted Labaron Philon Jr., signed Dean Wade, signed Anfernee Simons. Safe to say Philly upgraded from Morey,” wrote one influencer.
Mike Gansey since replacing Morey:
– fleeced boston for jaylen brown
– drafted labaron philon
– signed dean wade
– signed anfernee simonsSafe to say Philly upgraded from Morey pic.twitter.com/scLMhRLOSC
— Payday Fantasy (@paydayfantasy) July 2, 2026
Sleepers’ basketball account hyped up the Simons signing, arguing that he’ll play a key role off the bench in Philly.
“HUGE bench addition to that team. They needed it,” SleeperHoops wrote.
HUGE bench addition to that team. They needed it
— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) July 2, 2026
However, some questioned whether the 76ers needed another perimeter scorer given the current make-up of their team.
“I don’t know that a 2-guard was the direction I would’ve gone with my last big bullet, but OK,” writer Matt Carey wrote.
I don’t know that a 2-guard was the direction I would’ve gone with my last big bullet, but OK https://t.co/Luv08VuZtZ
— Matt Carey (@RealMattCarey) July 2, 2026
Basketball University provided insight on what 76ers fans can expect from their latest free-agent signing.
“Lot of overlap with Philon’s skillset. The defense is suspect but it’s a really fun bench creation add for the price. Sixers will be fun to watch,” they wrote.
Lot of overlap with Philon’s skillset. The defense is suspect but it’s a really fun bench creation add for the price. Sixers will be fun to watch.
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) July 2, 2026
Simons started last season with the Boston Celtics before being traded to the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 14.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 44% from the field and 38.5% from the three-point line.
MORE: ‘One of the Worst Trades’ – ESPN Analyst Blasts Celtics Trading For Jaylen Brown For Paul George
The 76ers defeated the Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs last season, but ultimately got swept by the New York Knicks in the semifinals.
However, following a successful offseason, many will pick Philadelphia to come out of the East over the reigning NBA champions next season.
