The Philadelphia [76ers’ contract negotiations with Quentin Grimes](https://marcstein.substack.com/p/the-latest-on-the-nbas-complicated) have resulted in a seemingly endless stalemate. Money has been the sticking point between the two parties, but there is a way for the talks to progress.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report revealed that buzz has surrounded the possibility of the 76ers trading Kelly Oubre Jr. and, or Andre Drummond this summer on “Insider Notebook” Saturday. Fischer noted that by doing so, Philadelphia would acquire more flexibility to re-sign Grimes to a contract that pleases both sides.
Why this makes so much sense
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Oubre ($8.4 million) and Drummond ($5 million) opted into their player options before the June 29th deadline. The two added $13.4 million to the 76ers’ payroll for the upcoming season. Philadelphia is approximately $11 million below the first tax apron, barring Adem Bona’s contract becoming guaranteed one day before opening night.
If the 76ers dumped Drummond’s salary in a trade, they’d be $16 million below the first apron. Grimes [holds an $8.7 million qualifying offer](https://thesixersense.com/cam-thomas-may-have-altered-quentin-grimes-future-with-the-76ers-01k4am6906k0), and if he re-signs on a new deal, Philadelphia would likely pay him more than that range. With Drummond’s money hypothetically off the books, the 76ers could have the capability to retain Grimes on a respectable deal while evading the first apron.
If the 76ers became a first-apron team, they wouldn’t be able to spend a cent over the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. Combining salaries in trades is also an illegal action for a team in such a situation. Philadelphia would only be able to take back 110% of the salary that it sends out in a deal, rather than 125% as teams under the first apron are allowed.
Being engulfed in the first apron is an annoyance for any team, but it could be a notable issue for the 76ers. Philadelphia doesn’t have a clear answer at power forward on paper. While the 76ers have a few intriguing prospects, they may have to acquire a more reliable option to round out their starting five. If Philadelphia is handicapped by the first apron, it may not have the means to do so.
This is why disposing of Drummond or Oubre’s salary could be essential.
It may not be that easy
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The only issue is, Drummond may not hold the strongest trade value. He played 40 games last year – averaging 7.3 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. While Drummond pitched in 7.8 rebounds, he provided little defensive value and his poor finishing numbers robbed the 76ers of many easy scoring opportunities.
Then, there’s Oubre. He has established himself as one of the more divisive players within the 76ers’ fandom. Some praise his hustle and intensity while others bring up his poor efficiency and decision-making. Oubre’s true impact lies somewhere in the middle, depending on the night. Still, many people wouldn’t be fond of Philadelphia shedding his salary.
Many have theorized that Philadelphia could package them both to acquire a bona fide power forward. This would have to be done before Grimes re-signs because once he does, the 76ers will likely enter the first apron. As established, the first apron would prevent Philadelphia from aggregating salaries. It’s doubtful that the 76ers would want to make such a move amidst Grimes’ negotiations anyway.
Nevertheless, the 76ers must likely sacrifice one of Oubre and Drummond to maintain the needed wiggle room when Grimes returns.