The Philadelphia 76ers are heading into the upcoming NBA season in a precarious position, with their front office facing major decisions to rebuild a roster that has become more liability than asset due to injuries to their biggest stars. Among the key matters on the table is the future of guard Quentin Grimes.
With the NBA offseason winding down, several restricted free agents remain unsigned. One of the most notable names is Grimes, who finished last season with the 76ers. While no extension appears imminent, NBA insider Jake Fischer believes both sides will ultimately reach an agreement before opening night.
“I can absolutely say that the Sixers—various people in the organization, when asked—keep saying that Quentin Grimes is their top priority. And that they are going to bring Quentin Grimes back, it’s just a matter of dollars and cents,” Fischer said during his Bleacher Report live stream.
“There is some buzz of him taking the qualifying offer, too. I do think, at the end of the day, as things get to September and maybe even closer to October, that there will be enough synergy to get a deal done between Quentin Grimes and the Sixers. Quentin Grimes has never made significant money throughout his tenure as an NBA player. He absolutely stands to benefit from taking a significant offer—whatever it ends up being—from Philadelphia.”
Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a three-pointer during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks
Grimes made an instant impact with the 76ers last season after arriving in a trade from the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline. The 24-year-old averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 47% from the field, 37% from three, and 75% from the free-throw line in 28 appearances.
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That breakout stretch has the former first-round pick seeking a major payday in his first foray into free agency. However, like many restricted free agents, Grimes finds himself with limited leverage at the negotiating table.
The Brooklyn Nets remain the only NBA team with cap space, and they have shown no interest in committing big money to any free agent this summer. As a result, the largest offer sheet Grimes and other restricted free agents can realistically expect from rival teams is the non-taxpayer mid-level exception worth $14.1 million.
Philadelphia’s salary-cap situation complicates matters further. The 76ers are already tied up with massive contracts for Joel Embiid and Paul George—two stars who, in recent years, have appeared to spend as much time sidelined by injuries as they have on the court.
For the 76ers, resolving the Grimes situation is just one piece of a larger puzzle. If they hope to contend in the Eastern Conference, they will need to make tough calls on their high-priced stars, balance the roster, and ensure that their young, rising talent remains in Philadelphia long term.
