A new era of the Philadelphia 76ers is underway as Mike Gansey has been appointed as the franchise's new general manager. Although Gansey will have no shortage of important decisions to make during his first few weeks at the helm of the Sixers, his approach to free agency will be among the most consequential. With Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes both entering free agency, the former Cleveland Cavaliers executive should prioritise securing Oubre's return.
Grimes struggled to find consistency in his second year with the 76ers
After his electric first year in Philadelphia, the 76ers' former general manager, Daryl Morey, presumed it was a no-brainer to offer Quentin Grimes a second year with the franchise -- this did not lead to the results that both parties had hoped for.
Despite starting the year as a prime candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award, Grimes' production fizzled out in the final few months of the campaign, and his impact during the postseason was nigh on non-existent.
Over 11 playoff appearances, the 26-year-old averaged just 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 39.7% from the floor. This was a significant decrease from his regular-season numbers, in which he recorded 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
For a team that has championship aspirations, the Philadelphia 76ers cannot afford to carry passengers when the playoffs begin -- they need role players to step up in the big moments. When their shots are not falling, players must find other ways to impact the game, whether through key defensive plays, relentless hustle, or by disrupting their opponents' rhythm and flow. Does this sound familiar?
Oubre Jr. is the perfect rotational piece
It does not matter whether Kelly Oubre Jr. is starting or coming off the bench; the versatile forward will provide the 76ers with blood, sweat, and tears. Kelly's attributes and attitude align perfectly with the City of Philadelphia's belief system -- yet he remains an underappreciated weapon on the Sixers' roster.
Despite being at the bottom of the offensive pecking order when Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe are on the floor, Oubre Jr. still finds a way to positively affect proceedings. His athleticism and defensive prowess have allowed him to establish himself as one of the league's most underrated role players.
During the 2025-26 season, the 30-year-old averaged 14.1 points, five rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Oubre Jr. also shot a career-high 36% from 3-point range -- proving that he can be the forward that Philadelphia has craved throughout the Joel Embiid era.
Retaining Quentin Grimes has its benefits, but his role as an impact scorer from the bench has not allowed him to flourish this season with the Philadelphia 76ers. Not only that, but Grimes' next contract could be larger than the 76ers are willing to pay. Kelly Oubre Jr.'s versatility, hustle, and ability to impact games without being a primary offensive option should make him one of Mike Gansey's top priorities as he begins his tenure with the Sixers.
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