Free agency negotiations are slated to open in just a little while, but the Philadelphia 76ers may have already seen their biggest priority take an ugly turn.
While the 76ers do not have a lot of spending power this time around, unlike last year, they can go over the cap to re-sign Quentin Grimes, who is a restricted free agent. The 255-year-old showed out in his 28 appearances for Philly last season, making the most out his ample usage and exposure with the team’s major gunners out due to injuries.
Striking a balance between his bloated numbers and tempered projections within the context of a lesser role when the 76ers get healthier bodies, it has been reported just recently that Grimes’ price point may not be as lofty as expected. Set at a starting salary of $16 million annually, it seemed like the 76ers had this one in the bag.
Unfortunately, that might have been too optimistic of a situation for the 76ers, especially if the latest rumors surrounding his camp are true.
The 76ers enter a dangerous territory after newest Quentin Grimes rumor
According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones (subscription required), Grimes’ asking price had already leaped past market projections as the 76ers and his camp have begun negotiating on a new deal to bring him back for another go-round with the franchise.
“The Sixers have been in contact with Grimes and his camp, although the price may end up being steep. Grimes, 25, is looking for a contract that averages $25 million per season, league sources tell The Athletic. He has emerged as a dynamic scoring guard, and he gives the Sixers a mix of the ability to shoot from the perimeter and get to the basket and put pressure on the rim off the dribble.”
To be frank, a ballpark figure of $25 million annually is indeed a steep price to pay for a player who is unlikely to play as a primary or secondary option when the 76ers bring back the likes of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey into the fold while also ushering in Jared McCain and rookie VJ Edgecombe for more exposure.
Grimes showed flashes of sustained play last season, but the team’s genetic make-up simply makes it difficult for him to crack an even more prominent role. Otherwise, it would not have made sense for the 76ers to draft Edgecombe or not to shop McCain.
The 76ers have to do whatever it takes to convince Grimes and his camp to take lesser money, although the beauty of restricted free agency is that they could leave the price-setting in the hands of another bidder, although the risk, of course, is that the mentioned $25 million price tag could get even higher in that case.
Ultimately, the Philadelphia 76ers will have the final say on whether they will be willing to pay a fortune to bring back Quentin Grimes. If they manage to clear some more cap space, then they must not hesitate to hand him a new deal; otherwise, it would be incumbent on the front office to start looking for alternatives.