Rewind the clocks to this time last year and the Philadelphia 76ers were engaged in a polarizing contract dispute with Quentin Grimes. Grimes was a restricted free agent who wanted a hefty salary, Philadelphia was in a state of limbo after missing the playoffs, and Daryl Morey ultimately let the promising wing accept his qualifying offer.
Grimes has since left the 76ers on a four-year, $60 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. It didn't take long for Philadephia to move on themselves.
The 76ers have acted swiftly to make necessary and, at times, surprising upgrades to their roster. That began with a fruitful showing at the 2026 NBA Draft, which saw Philadephia add promising young scorer Labaron Philon Jr. at No. 22 overall.
It continued with low-profile but high-impact signings of players such as Anfernee Simons—a potential replacement for Jared McCain—and Dean Wade—a versatile defender—in attempts to improve their quality on both ends of the floor.
The blockbuster move was a trade that effectively swapped out 36-year-old forward Paul George for 29-year-old wing Jaylen Brown. Though George played relatively well when he was on the court, he appeared in just 78 regular season games in two seasons with the 76ers. Brown, meanwhile, has been durable and prolific throughout his career.
All of this adds up to the 76ers having every reason to forget about the Grimes contract saga and move forward knowing they made the right decision.
76ers replaced Quentin Grimes with a star and a surplus of quality players
Grimes turned in a strong 2025-26 season in which he played outside of his comfort zone and helped the team make the playoffs. He averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.7 three-point field goals made in 29.4 minutes per game.
For as much value as Grimes provided, it ultimately came to pass that the 76ers couldn't justify paying him $15 million per season with the opportunity to improve in other areas.
Philadelphia signed Wade to a four-year, $39 million deal to help improve the team's defensive efforts. It then brought Simons in on a two-year, $12.3 million contract to replace Simons. In other words: It acquired two players for virtually the same amount as it would've had to pay Grimes on his own.
Compounded by the fact that the 76ers acquired Brown to round out the perimeter with an All-NBA Second Team honoree and Finals MVP in their prime, Grimes' tenure had run its course.
Add us as a preferred source on Google