Simmons on new deal: 'It's a business'; happy with $20 million contract Jonathon Simmons' time with the Spurs came to an end after agreeing to terms with the Orlando Magic

Recommended Video:

Jonathon Simmons walked out of a gym on Friday afternoon with a better understanding of what the NBA is all about.

Simmons had just agreed to a three-year, $20 million deal with the Orlando Magic, one day after having his qualifying offer pulled from the Spurs and becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"It just business," Simmons told the Express-News. "It's not disappointing to me at all. That's just how it is. ... I wasn't disappointed about anything. I believe everything happened for a reason.

Click through the slideshow to see 19 times the Spurs lost a player to trades or free agency that hit fans the hardest

"I'm really not surprised," Simmons continued. "I didn't know what to expect. I was just trying to take it a day at a time and see what the opportunity was going to be."

Yes, it's a business. Simmons found that out firsthand.

Jonathon Simmons San Antonio Spurs’ Jonathon Simmons answers questions from the media Monday May 15, 2017 at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, CA. Jonathon Simmons San Antonio Spurs’ Jonathon Simmons answers questions from the media Monday May 15, 2017 at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, CA. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close Simmons on new deal: 'It's a business'; happy with $20 million contract 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

The 27-year-old Houston native walked into free agency with the intentions of securing a deal of at least $50 million. But it has not been a good offseason for many restricted free agents.

Like Simmons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Nikola Mirotic, JaMychal Green, Alex Len, even Spurs newcomer Joffrey Lauvergne have all realized how rigid the restricted market is.

"No one expected it to be this tough," said Simmons. "A guy like me still has to deal with politics at the end of the day. I was a low-tier guy still, after what I did, it still wasn't enough. I know that. I was expecting more, but I'm happy. It's $20 million. People don't get that every day."

Simmons averaged 6.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 78 games with the Spurs last season. He admitted playing time was a factor in deciding his next location. Though Simmons played 78 games last season, eight times as a starter, and averaged 17.8 minutes, the competitor in Simmons wanted more.

"I want to be in position to play a decent amount of minutes per game," said Simmons. "I feel like I can excel playing enough minutes per game. I explained that to Pop (Gregg Popovich) and he understand that. ... I want to be able to continue to improve and still make a name for myself and I wasn't going to do that (with the Spurs). Not like I wanted to."

Asked why he felt the Magic was a good choice, Simmons said the opportunity to become a better impact player was too good to pass up.

"I have goals and I'm trying to attack them," said Simmons. "I think Orlando is the perfect place to do that."

Though his time with the Spurs officially ended, Simmons has no hard feelings. He recalled Game 6 against the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals, a game he considers the most memorable as a Spur.

With no Tony Parker or Kawhi Leonard, Simmons received his first career postseason start, finishing with 18 points and four assists. In front of his family and friends at the Toyota Center in Houston, he helped the Spurs eliminate the Rockets to advance to the conference finals.

"That was the one," said Simmons of the game. "It was surreal."

A new chapter awaits in Orlando, where Simmons will see a familiar face in Chad Forcier, a former Spurs assistant and current lead assistant for the Magic.

Simmons now understands the business side of the NBA. It's not always pretty. But for a guy who paid $150 in 2013 for a tryout in the NBA Gatorade League (formerly the D-League), and now on the verge of earning $6.6 million over the next three years, life isn't all bad.

"I was able to get better," said Simmons when asked to sum up his time with the Spurs. "I was able to start my career with a great organization. I couldn't ask for better people to be around. ... Definitely loved my time there."