The NBA’s revamped Collective Bargaining Agreement was ratified two years ago with the intent to eliminate a team’s ability to craft a “super team”. However, the CBA is hurting players who are below stardom, but above role player status more than anything else. The Philadelphia 76ers’ stalemate with Quentin Grimes is a prime example of this. Based on Jake Fischer’s recent theory, things may not get resolved anytime soon.
Grimes' negotations with 76ers could extend to October
Last week, Fischer appeared on a Bleacher Report program and gave the latest free agency scoops around the league. He gave a lengthy spiel on Philadelphia’s negotiations with Grimes, which was well overdue. Fischer revealed there has been “some buzz” around Grimes taking the 76ers’ $8.7 million qualifying offer. This was the main takeaway from many – including myself – but Fischer said something else of equal importance that went overlooked.
“I think at the end of the day, as things get closer, as we get into September and maybe even closer to October, that there will be enough synergy between Grimes and the Sixers because he’s never made significant money throughout his tenure as an NBA player,” Fischer said. “He absolutely stands to benefit from taking a significant offer, whatever it ends up being from Philadelphia.”
It unfortunately makes sense for everyone to play the waiting game
While this is the last thing 76ers fans wanted to hear, it unfortunately makes sense from Grimes’ perspective. His camp wants to wait things out with the hope that a team(s) could suddenly open up extra cap space through whatever means and offer Grimes a competitive offer. Philadelphia has no incentive to offer Grimes a penny over his qualifying offer unless a team presents a lucrative contract.
As a result, Grimes’ management is in no rush to come to terms on a new agreement with the 76ers when another opportunity could arise. Philadelphia’s offer – whatever the amount may be – will be on the table from now to whenever. Is this situation a headache for everyone involved? Absolutely. But, playing the waiting game is necessary for both sides.
Fellow restricted free agents such as Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, and Cam Thomas are in the same boat. Today, Fischer reported the Chicago Bulls have offered Giddey a four-year/$80 million deal on The Stein Line. He also noted that Thomas is likely going to pick up his qualifying offer from the Brooklyn Nets. It’s reasonable to believe that the first big-name restricted free agent to agree to a new contract will set the standard for the rest.
Now, we continue to wait.