The Anfernee Simons free agent chase is getting crowded. Three days into the open market, the Dallas Mavericks have now joined the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors as serious suitors for the scoring guard, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein reported on X that the Mavericks have emerged as a team to watch for Simons, who finished last season with the Chicago Bulls after a midseason trade. The Heat and Warriors had already been linked to him, but Dallas adds a third option with real playoff ambitions and a clear need for backcourt scoring depth.
Simons has bounced around a bit recently. He was part of the Jrue Holiday trade last offseason that landed him in Boston, where he played 49 games and averaged 14.2 points on 44 percent shooting. Then the Celtics shipped him to Chicago at the deadline, and he only got six games there but put up 15.2 points a night. The sample size is small but the skill set is obvious. The guy can fill it up.
Why the Mavs make sense
Dallas already has Kyrie Irving and rookie Ryan Nembhard in the backcourt, but they’re clearly looking to add another bucket-getter who can create his own shot. Simons has shown that ability consistently, especially during his years in Portland where he often carried the scoring load when Damian Lillard was out. He’s not just a spot-up shooter. He can handle, attack the rim, and get hot in a hurry.
The fit in Dallas is interesting because the Mavericks are trying to build a roster that can compete in the West right now. Luka Doncic is still the center of everything, but adding Simons would give them another perimeter player who can take pressure off him and Irving. Some nights you just need someone who can go get 20 points without needing plays called for him. Simons can do that.
Heat and Warriors still in the mix
Miami is looking for someone to replace the scoring Norm Powell gave them last season. The Heat offense can get stagnant, and Simons would bring some much-needed shot creation. For the Warriors, it’s about adding depth behind Stephen Curry while also making the roster more attractive to LeBron James, who reportedly wants help if he’s going to consider leaving Los Angeles. (The league loves a good LeBron rumor, even when there’s nothing concrete.)
Simons is going to have options. He can pick a team based on playing time, role, or championship odds. The Mavericks might not be the favorites on paper, but they have a star in Doncic, a solid supporting cast, and a coach who likes to run. That matters.
It’s still early in free agency, and nothing is final. But the fact that three playoff-level teams are chasing Simons says a lot about how the league values his scoring. Wherever he lands, he’ll get shots. The question is whether he’ll get wins to go with them.
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