The preaseason is starting in just a few shakes, yet the Philadelphia 76ers are still incomplete. Quentin Grimes remains unsigned at this juncture, and with each passing day, it is becoming more probable that the squad will kickstart camp without the talented 25-year-old.
This entire push-and-pull has been pretty exhuasting. Having said that, recent developments point to this front being a much less proactive one. In fact, rumors — albeit seemingly corroborated ones — hint at the front office offering a rather puny deal. Of course, Grimes’ camp quickly jettisoned what they extended.
However, in light of recent news that Jonathan Kuminga had already come to terms with the Warriors on a new deal, the young wing suddenly finds himself stuck on an island. He remains the only one in the group of high-profile players who entered restricted free agency who still does not have a contract for next season.
This development, without a doubt, is not a good one for Grimes and his representation. Now, the benchmark has been set low, and the 76ers front office now has the leverage to finally close a deal.
New free agency development is music to the ears for the 76ers
As first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kuminga has agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million deal with the Warriors. The new set-up comes with a team option on the second year, allowing both camps to commence talks anew next year.
What Kuminga got from Golden State presupposes a big concession on his part. His camp was eyeing a rich, multi-year deal, on either pretext of staying with the Warriors or getting shipped to another team, like the Kings.
If Kuminga, a more highly-touted player than Grimes, got a shafted deal, the 76ers front office will not feel incentivized as much to hand Grimes anything close to what he wants.
Hence, it is probably a foregone conclusion now that Grimes has no choice but to settle for the 76ers’ meager $8.7 million qualifying offer, especially as a consequence of Grimes rejecting the team’s compromise, one-year balloon offer.
Now, this may not be ideal for both camps, but the Philadelphia 76ers badly need Quentin Grimes to rejoin the team as soon as practicable, especially due to Jared McCain expected to miss considerable time due to injury. Hence, this free agency development is likewise a much-needed impetus to get the ball rolling on a firm resolution.