The Quentin Grimes trade just keeps getting better for the Philadelphia 76ers.
With the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the 76ers selected 6’10” big man Johni Broome from Auburn, arming the team with a new frontcourt piece to shore up depth in that much-needed department. And for that, fans have Dallas to thank once again.
To those in need of a refresher — or those living under a rock — the 76ers acquired Grimes from the Mavericks shortly before the trade deadline, parting with Caleb Martin. As part of that deal, Dallas sent their second-round selection this year.
That draft pick turned out to be a valuable one as the 76ers logged the fifth-worst record in the league, culminating in them having pick No. 35, the fifth-highest position in the second round of the draft.
The 76ers have to thank the Mavericks anew as the Quentin Grimes trade heist gets even better
The Grimes deal quickly turned out to be a one-sided swap. The 25-year-old emerged as a vital piece of the puzzle for the 76ers, pouring in averages of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per outing in 28 games for the team.
On the flip side, Martin barely played for the injury-riddled Mavs thanks to an injury of his own. For now, the veteran figures to be a rotation piece for them next season, but so far, no one is calling that trade as one imbued with good reason on the part of Dallas.
To sweeten the pot, the 76ers get to bring in a rookie like Broome, who definitely has the makings of an ideal big man to play behind Joel Embiid. He is a tenacious rebounder and scorer in the paint, and despite his lack of a perimeter game, he brings in that hard-nosed energy to a 76ers frontcourt in dire need of such, especially if Guerschon Yabusele leaves as expected.
Grimes will not be a cheap commodity to keep in any way this year, but all signs point to the 76ers front office doing everything they can to retain him in Philadelphia. Sure, there could be a logjam out there, but one simply cannot allow a talent like him to walk away for nothing.
Even better, he will be a restricted free agent, so the 76ers will ultimately have the final say on this front no matter what happens. Again, thank you, Dallas!