The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off their free agency slate with a savvy signing in the form of Dean Wade, but it seems like they have likewise incurred their first major setback this offseason. Latest rumors suggest that Quentin Grimes is not expected to stay with the franchise, with the Los Angeles Lakers now the definitive favorites to acquire him in the open market.
Grimes, who is a free agent once again this year after basically deferring last offseason, entered the summer as one of the 76ers' main priorities to keep in the fold. However, that seems to have become a rapidly sailing ship as the Lakers, armed with more cap space and spending power than any other ball club, is now closing in on snagging the 26-year-old.
Los Angeles just lost LeBron James in free agency, so they have even more money to throw at free agents. Grimes, who will be commanding a salary close to the mid-level exception, seems to be their choice of guard to man the second unit, which was one of their primary weaknesses this past season.
The Lakers are close to snagging Quentin Grimes away from the 76ers in free agency
Depth in the backcourt was already a lacking department for the 76ers. While the drafting of Labaron Philon with the 22nd overall pick was a good way to alleviate some of their woes on that end, losing Grimes in the open market only reopens that issue once more.
As good of a scorer Philon is, he is a rookie. Grimes is already established and comfortable in the league as a real scoring option, and as the team's nominal sixth man this past season, his apparent exit will be greatly felt across the team. Heck, their measly second-unit scoring will take an even bigger hit now that their main catalyst off the bench is reported to be headed elsewhere.
Grimes did not exactly have a standout campaign individually last season. Despite playing nearly 30 minutes a night, he turned in just 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Touted as one of the best shooters on the team, he struggled from beyond the arc all year long, having drained just 33.4 percent of his three-point tries.
Be that as it may, Grimes' exit will have a major impact on the 76ers. Now, the front office has no other choice but to go after another guard who can be a consistent rotation piece, lest they run the risk of having to overexert their starting backcourt out of sheer necessity once more.
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