Sixers guard Quentin Grimes
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Sixers guard Quentin Grimes
The Philadelphia 76ers came into the offseason with Quentin Grimes‘ restricted free agency as a top priority. However, negotiations haven’t moved as quickly as Daryl Morey likely expected.
According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko and Tony Jones, there has been “little to no movement” in negotiations between the two sides.
“To this point, there has been little to no movement with restricted free agent guard Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell myself and
@Tjonesonthenba. The two sides are hoping to continue communication in the coming days,” Iko reported via X.
Grimes was a significant contributor to Nick Nurse’s rotation last season. He proved himself to be a viable member of a championship team. Morey undoubtedly came into the summer with Grimes’ long-term future at the top of his to-do list.
However, given Grimes’ impressive season, there is likely a disconnect in terms of contract value. The Sixers already have multiple big contracts on the books, courtesy of Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Sixers’ Low-Balled Guerschon Yabusele
During a recent appearance on SK Week TV, Guerschon Yabusele gave some insight into his free agency negotiations with the Sixers front office.
“I was like, ‘Okay, if they want to resign me and then they give me something good, I will come back for sure. And if they want me to leave, then I will leave,’” Yabusele said. “I didn’t have any hard feelings or a hard time. But they almost didn’t make a real offer. They did, but it was really low. So, to be transparent, I felt like, ‘Oh my God, you guys, it seems like you don’t really want me to stay.’ It was a situation, but no hard feelings. I’m always thankful for them. They gave me my second chance.”
Yabusele joined the Sixers last summer after impressing with the French National Team during the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the Sixers’ low-ball offer ensured he didn’t remain with the team heading into the summer. Yabusele recently signed a two-year deal with the New York Knicks.
Sixers fans will likely hope that Grimes doesn’t follow Yabusele’s lead and find a new home elsewhere in the NBA.
Grimes Could Get $16 Million Per Year
According to Marc Stein, via a June 29 edition of his “Stein Line” newsletter, Grimes is expected to earn a salary “of at least” $16 million on his next contract.
“The early rumbles out of Philadelphia on Quentin Grimes’ expected new deal: The restricted free agent is projected to land a starting salary of at least $16 million after his monster March,” Stein reported.
Grimes played in 28 games for the Sixers after joining midway through the season, averaging 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He shot 37.3% from 3-point range and 46.9% from the field.
VJ Edgecombe‘s arrival could make Morey more reluctant to offer Grimes a significant pay rise. After all, Edgecombe will need minutes in order to improve and reach his full potential. Nevertheless, if the Sixers truly believe they’re a contending team next season, paying Grimes should be a no-brainer. His scoring and playmaking could be invaluable during a postseason run.
However, after Yabusele’s departure, you wouldn’t be blamed if you expected Grimes to land somewhere else before the start of next season.