Several EuroLeague teams had interest in Simone Fontecchio this summer, but his priority was to continue his NBA career, relays Alessandro Maggi of Sportando. The Heat gave him that opportunity by offering a one-year, minimum-salary contract early in free agency. Although he might have been able to land a more lucrative deal overseas, Fontecchio tells Beppe Nigro of the Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport that he was happy to extend his time in Miami.

“We didn’t even consider the idea of returning to Europe this summer,” he said. “So I don’t even know — we didn’t go looking for any offers. When this opportunity in Miami came along, I just accepted it.”

Fontecchio is a known quantity in Europe, playing for six teams before coming to the NBA in 2022. He split his first three seasons between Utah and Detroit before the Heat acquired him in a trade last summer.

The 30-year-old small forward was a rotation player last season, logging 16.8 minutes per night in 70 games (nine starts). He averaged 8.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists with .412/.375/.843 shooting numbers and led the team by attempting 12.7 three-pointers per 100 possessions.

Fontecchio may have an increased role this season after Miami gave up four players in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and he’s excited about the chance to team up with the two-time MVP.

“The team’s decisions were clear as they made a major move to sign a Hall of Famer like Antetokounmpo,” Fontecchio said. “It’s an opportunity for the organization, the city, and the team to achieve something even greater. For me, it’s a chance to play for a team that truly has championship aspirations. For my part, I’m really excited and curious to get to know him and see what it’s like to play with him. The fact that they wanted me so badly even before free agency reassured me and made me want to stay.”