Jonathon Simmons Reportedly Has Qualifying Offer Extended by Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs made a proactive move toward retaining Jonathon Simmons on Thursday when they extended him a qualifying offer worth a shade over $1.6 million, according to the San Antonio Express-News' Jabari Young.  

Simmons will now be a restricted free agent, meaning the Spurs retain the right to match any offer sheets he signs. 

In his second season with the Spurs, the 27-year-old emerged as a two-way staple after head coach Gregg Popovich entrusted him with a more significant role. 

In 17.8 minutes a night, Simmons averaged career highs of 6.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.6 steals while shooting 42 percent from the field. 

However, those numbers don't reflect just how good Simmons was. 

To wit: When Simmons was on the floor, the Spurs posted a net rating of plus-8.8 points per 100 possessions, with a defensive rating of 96.7. When he sat, the net rating dipped to plus-7.3 and the defensive rating ballooned to 103.3—a figure that was 2.4 points worse than the team's season-long mark. 

Simmons, then, figures to be in line for a substantial raise this summer. 

Young reported the Spurs "hope to retain his services," but he also noted at least 12 teams are expected to have interest in the bouncy wing. 

The Spurs will ultimately retain the right to match, but with their cap sheet nearly bursting at the seams, a rival club could force the Spurs' hand by submitting an offer sheet in the early stages of free agency. 

Stats retrieved from Basketball-Reference.com and NBA.com. Contract information courtesy of Spotrac.com.