Simone Fontecchio said he never considered leaving the NBA for Europe this summer, with the Miami Heat’s interest giving the Italian forward a clear path to remain in the league. The 30-year-old has signed a one-year contract with Miami and said the franchise’s pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo reinforced his decision.
“We didn’t even consider returning to Europe this summer,” Fontecchio told La Gazzetta dello Sport, via HoopsHype. “So I don’t even know: we didn’t look for any offers. When this opportunity in Miami came up, I just accepted.”
Fontecchio said his priority was always to remain in the NBA, preferably with the Heat, after the organization made clear that it wanted to retain him before free agency. He averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 70 games for Miami in 2025-26 while shooting 37.5% from three-point range on 4.7 attempts per game.
The decision gives Fontecchio continuity after a four-year NBA career that has included stops with the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and Heat. Across 263 career games, he has averaged 7.8 points and 2.9 rebounds while making 36.7% of his three-point attempts.
“I saw an opportunity to play for a team with real championship ambitions,” Fontecchio said of Miami’s offseason direction. “It was an opportunity for me, for the organization, for the city, and for the team to try and achieve something bigger.”
Miami finished 43-39 and 10th in the Eastern Conference last season before undergoing a major roster overhaul. The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in a blockbuster trade with Milwaukee, while Fontecchio remained with the franchise on a one-year, $2.6 million deal.
The 6-foot-8 forward’s shooting could become particularly important around Miami’s new frontcourt. Fontecchio made 1.8 threes per game last season, and 70.1% of his field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc, giving the Heat another perimeter option alongside Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Fontecchio said the opportunity to play with Antetokounmpo was another factor in his decision to stay.
“I’m very excited and curious to meet him and see what it’s like to play with him,” Fontecchio said. “The fact that they really wanted me even before free agency reassured me and made me even more inclined to stay.”
For now, Fontecchio is not looking beyond the upcoming season despite approaching his 31st birthday. He said he is focused on his immediate commitments and the opportunity ahead in Miami rather than considering his next contract or a potential future return to European basketball.
“Nothing at the moment, to be honest,” Fontecchio said when asked about his longer-term plans. “I’m just trying to enjoy what’s ahead of me: these two international matches, followed by a super exciting year professionally.”
