Unfortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers' fanbase, this offseason will be filled with discussions of a limited salary cap and how Mike Gansey opts to utilise it. However, given that the Sixers already have just $17.1 million remaining before entering the luxury tax threshold, the decision to resign Quentin Grimes has become significantly easier. Their restricted financial flexibility suggests they can't afford to have expensive passengers on the payroll -- which is what Grimes proved to be.
The 76ers must be smart with their remaining salary cap space
While Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey continue to eat up a large portion of Philadelphia's salary allowance, the front office will have to be shrewd in the business they undertake. Resigning Grimes on a contract that will most likely be larger than his previous one-year, $8.7 million deal would be far from the ideal situation.
According to Yossi Gozlan, the 76ers' current payroll equates to $183.4 million -- which is $17.1 million under the luxury tax threshold, $25.7 million under the first apron, and $38.3 million under the second apron.
Philadelphia 76ers salary cap situation after declining Trendon Watford and picking up Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry.
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 29, 2026
Re-signing both Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre would take them into the luxury tax.
As in previous seasons, they could start above it and get under it later. https://t.co/ZW0jBioKjk pic.twitter.com/eZqvkuo6rQ
After exercising Dominick Barlow and Dalen Terry's team options, Philadelphia took the number of players signed to their roster to 11 -- leaving four standard-contract spots available. Depending on Mike Gansey's level of ambition for the season, it is unlikely that the 76ers will push their budget to the limit at this point in the year.
Even at a slightly inflated price, Quentin Grimes is an affordable option -- especially as Philadelphia does have the option of using a $15 million non-tax mid-level exception. However, with the current gaps in the Sixers' roster and with other players available in free agency, this is a move the franchise must avoid.
Kelly Oubre Jr. should be prioritised over Quentin Grimes
After starting the 2024-25 season in scintillating form, Grimes' production from a secondary role slowly fizzled out, and by the time the postseason rolled around, his minutes on the floor became fruitless.
During the 76ers' playoff series with the New York Knicks, the 26-year-old averaged six points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while shooting just 30% from the floor. If a player is struggling for form, he must find a way to make a positive impact for the team, even if it doesn't show up on the stats sheet -- Grimes failed to do that.
On the other hand, fellow free agent Kelly Oubre Jr. has proven throughout his three-year stint in Philadelphia that he is the perfect role player who will consistently bring a contagious energy to the floor if his shots are not falling. Additionally, the 30-year-old provides a level of versatility that is vital when other players are unavailable for selection.
Oubre was ever-present throughout the Sixers' postseason run, recording 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while hitting 45.3% of his shots.
Realistically, if the Philadelphia 76ers want to optimise this year's roster and make an unlikely push for a championship, they must make offseason moves that bring value for money. With four standard-contract spots still up for grabs, it would be in the Sixers' best interests to avoid resigning both Kelly Oubre and Grimes to maximise their remaining salary cap.
The fact of the matter is that Quentin Grimes hasn't given his former employers a reason to reward him with an improved contract and should be allowed to explore his free agency options.
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