NBA free agency 2017: Orlando Magic officially sign Jonathon Simmons

The Orlando Magic formally announced Saturday they have signed Jonathon Simmons. Reports of the team’s coming to terms with the free-agent wing cropped up Friday, shortly after the San Antonio Spurs elected to make him an unrestricted free agent. The deal is reportedly worth $20 million over three seasons.

“Jonathon is an elite wing defender that will provide toughness and athleticism to our team,” said Jeff Weltman, the Magic’s President of Basketball Operations, in a statement. “His tremendous work ethic has helped him continually grow as a player and we are very excited to add him to the Magic.”

Simmons, 27, has two years of NBA experience, all with the Spurs. In his sophomore season, the University of Houston product averaged 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, mostly in a reserve role. Simmons took over the Spurs’ starting small forward job in the postseason following a season-ending injury to MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. In those four games, Simmons averaged 16.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and four assists.

Simmons figures to back up Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross on the wings and may even challenge for a starting position. Despite his advanced age relative to other two-year players, he still has potential, and he comes from arguably the NBA’s top franchise for player development.

Orlando will introduce Simmons and fellow free-agent newcomer Shelvin Mack during a press conference Tuesday.