After the Philadelphia 76ers turned in a season for the ages — albeit for all the wrong reasons, a shakeup should be incumbent on this this summer. However, changes will have to come on the margins, as the team simply lacks the capacity to pull off a roster facelift like it did a year ago.
One of the biggest priorities for the 76ers this offseason aside from acing the draft is inking Quentin Grimes to a new deal. The 25-year-old posted his strongest season during the latter half of the campaign, thriving in Philly after getting shipped by Dallas before the trade deadline.
The 76ers easily won that trade, but the longevity of that “win” will be tested this time around. With Grimes putting up 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists for the team, teams with cap space will definitely make a play for him in free agency.
With some financial gymnastics, Philly can still keep him regardless as it can match any offer for Grimes, but given their muddled payroll, there will be a limit as to what they can tolerate when it comes to the young wing. And in account of that fact, the biggest threat to pry him away from the team is pretty obvious.
The Nets could be the favorites to steal Quentin Grimes from the 76ers in free agency
Brooklyn can free up to approximately $55 million this summer, making it the most potent buyer in free agency. Thing is, the Nets are not really expected to take on an All-Star given their disposition, which is to preserve money for the next big star that could become available later on.
Having said that, there is nothing stopping them from pursuing short-term deals for younger commodities. Grimes fits that billing snugly. After all, he is still unlikely to command All-Star money, and the Brooklyn can definitely use someone like him to handle the scoring load on the team next season.
At the very least, the Nets could endeavor to hand Grimes a toxic offer sheet which, if deemed too excessive and delimiting, would compel the 76ers to let go of the reins and give up on re-signing the young wing.
Money is always the game in restricted free agency, and while his fit could be a tad dangling if the Nets keep Cam Thomas, Grimes would be a useful trade chip for Brooklyn given his high-octane production when shoehorned into a bigger role.
While far from ideal, there is a strong chance that the Philadelphia 76ers miss out on coming to terms with Quentin Grimes on a new deal. And if that happens, they only have themselves to blame thanks to the financial constraints they placed themselves under.