Who is Anfernee Simons?
Anfernee Tyrik Simons was born on June 8, 1999, in Longwood, Florida. Instead of playing college basketball, he completed a postgraduate season at IMG Academy before declaring for the 2018 NBA Draft.
The Portland Trail Blazers selected him with the 24th overall pick, making him one of the few modern NBA players to jump directly from prep basketball to the professional ranks. Over time, Simons transformed from a developmental prospect into a reliable starting-caliber guard capable of scoring 20-plus points on any given night.
Anfernee Simons Stats
Throughout his NBA career, Simons has consistently improved as a scorer.
Career Highlights
- Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 200 pounds
- NBA Draft: 24th overall (2018)
- Career scoring average: approximately 15 points per game
- Career three-point percentage: around 38%
- NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2021)
During the 2025-26 season split between Boston and Chicago, Simons averaged:
- 14.3 points per game
- 2.5 rebounds
- 2.4 assists
- 44% field-goal shooting
- 38.5% from three-point range
Despite missing time with a wrist injury, he remained one of the league’s most efficient perimeter scorers.
Anfernee Simons Joins the Sixers
One of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NBA offseason came when Simons agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia aggressively upgraded its roster after acquiring Jaylen Brown and later signed Simons to strengthen its bench scoring. The Sixers believe his shooting and offensive versatility perfectly complement stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Brown.
His role is expected to include:
- Sixth-man scoring
- Floor spacing
- Secondary ball handling
- Late-game shooting
- Veteran leadership for younger guards
Anfernee Simons Contract
Simons reportedly signed a two-year contract worth $12.3 million with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2026 NBA free agency period.
The deal reportedly includes:
- Two-year agreement
- Approximately $12.3 million total value
- Player option for the second season
The contract gives Philadelphia affordable scoring depth while allowing Simons another opportunity to enter free agency in the near future.
Trade History
Simons’ NBA journey has included several major transactions.
Portland Trail Blazers (2018–2025)
He spent the first seven seasons of his career in Portland, gradually becoming one of the franchise’s primary offensive weapons.
Boston Celtics (2025)
Portland traded Simons to Boston during the 2025 offseason, where he became a valuable scoring reserve.
Chicago Bulls (2026)
At the 2026 trade deadline, Boston sent Simons to Chicago as part of a larger deal involving Nikola Vučević.
Philadelphia 76ers (2026)
After becoming a free agent, Simons signed with the Sixers, giving Philadelphia another proven perimeter scorer.
Free Agency Update
Simons entered the 2026 offseason as one of the most intriguing scoring guards available.
Multiple contenders reportedly expressed interest because of his:
- Elite shooting
- Proven scoring ability
- Playoff experience
- Ability to play both guard positions
Ultimately, Philadelphia won the race, believing Simons fits perfectly within its revamped roster.
Strengths
Simons has developed into one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive guards.
His biggest strengths include:
- Excellent three-point shooting
- Deep shooting range
- Quick first step
- Athletic finishing
- Strong free-throw percentage
- Ability to create his own shot
- Reliable instant offense off the bench
His offensive versatility makes him an ideal fit in today’s spacing-focused NBA.
Areas for Improvement
Although Simons is an outstanding scorer, there are still areas where he can improve:
- Defensive consistency
- Playmaking under pressure
- Rebounding
- Staying healthy over a full season
Improvement in these areas could elevate him from a valuable scorer to a complete two-way guard.
Career Achievements
Some of Simons’ notable accomplishments include:
- First-round NBA Draft pick (2018)
- NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (2021)
- Multiple 40-point games
- Career-high scoring seasons above 20 points per game
- One of the NBA’s most efficient young three-point shooters
- Over 100 career starts
What Simons Brings to Philadelphia
The Sixers needed additional perimeter scoring after reshaping their roster.
Simons provides:
- Reliable bench offense
- Floor spacing
- Veteran experience
- Shot creation
- Offensive depth
His ability to score in bunches could become especially valuable during the playoffs, where second-unit production often determines close games.
Outlook for 2026-27
As he begins his first season in Philadelphia, Simons has an excellent opportunity to reestablish himself as one of the league’s premier scoring guards.
If he remains healthy, he could become one of the NBA’s best sixth men while helping the Sixers compete for an Eastern Conference championship. His shooting, experience, and offensive versatility make him one of Philadelphia’s most important offseason additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which team does Anfernee Simons play for?
Anfernee Simons is set to play for the Philadelphia 76ers after agreeing to a two-year deal during the 2026 NBA offseason.
What are Anfernee Simons’ career stats?
He averages roughly 15 points, 2.5 rebounds, and over 3 assists per game while shooting around 38% from three for his career.
What is Anfernee Simons’ contract?
He reportedly signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract with the Sixers that includes a player option for the second season.
Was Anfernee Simons traded?
Yes. After seven seasons with Portland, he was traded to Boston, later moved to Chicago, and eventually signed with Philadelphia as a free agent.
Is Anfernee Simons a free agent?
No. Following the 2026 free agency period, Simons agreed to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
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