Speaking with reporters during a Zoom call on Friday, veteran forward Simone Fontecchio discussed why he chose to remain with the Miami Heat, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.
Although Fontecchio earned approximately $8.3 million last season, he decided to return on a one-year contract worth the veteran minimum.
“I always wanted to stay in Miami,” he said. “Last week, they said, ‘Listen we don’t have much room to operate.’ [But] my thought process was I want to stay here. I want to put some continuity to what I was doing here. There is a real big opportunity for the Heat with the Giannis (Antetokounmpo) trade and what it’s going to mean for the franchise and city.”
Before finalizing the agreement, Fontecchio also spoke directly with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra to better understand the team’s plans and his role moving forward.
“I wanted to talk to him directly,” the player said. “We had a great conversation. I wanted to ask him a couple things. It wasn’t like he had to convince me. I was pretty much convinced. Hearing his voice, hearing his thought process and wanting me to stay helped me.”
Fontecchio is also looking forward to sharing the court with Giannis Antetokounmpo after averaging 8.5 points per game while shooting 37.5 percent from three-point range last season.
He said he’s especially excited about the defensive potential of Miami’s frontcourt, which now features Antetokounmpo alongside six-time All-Defensive Team selection Bam Adebayo.
ICYMI: During a Zoom call with reporters on Friday, forward Simone Fontecchio explained his decision to re-sign with the Heat. That + more from Miami. https://t.co/dCy71c77oD
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 5, 2026
