Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes remains a restricted free agent as the calendar approaches August. The 25-year-old had a strong close to the season in Philadelphia, and both sides are interested in staying together. The latest has him taking a short-term contract to remain in the City of Brotherly Love.
Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 33.7 minutes per game after being traded to the Sixers last season. Philly was tanking, and the 6’5 guard won’t be asked to take on a star role. He must settle in as a role player around Tyrese Maxey and the healthy stars. That may prove difficult given the current negotiations.
Grimes has seemingly everything NBA teams want. He is a career 37.5 percent 3-point shooter capable of handling the ball, making plays, and defending multiple positions. It is shocking to see him unsigned nearly a month into free agency, but the restricted tag has complicated things.
Quentin Grimes remains a restricted free agent
The Nets were the only team with significant cap space this summer, and they are in a total rebuild. Sean Marks and his front office decided against trying to make a splash in free agency, but that left the restricted players with no other options than their current teams.
Grimes is feeling that pressure. He wants a massive payday after making $11.1 million in his rookie contract as the 25th overall pick. Grimes was hoping for $20-plus million per year following his breakout in Philly.
The Sixers let Guerschon Yabusele walk in free agency to keep Grimes. They clearly value him, but every dollar matters in the second apron era. Philadelphia is wisely watching their spending and trying to squeeze every penny out of his situation.
Expect the two sides to reunite before the start of training camp. They will eventually find a number that works. It will mean Grimes taking a bit less than he wants to save the 76ers' offseason. Philly has talent and wants to make a run in the Eastern Conference. Having a 25-year-old wing with potential to scale up his role is crucial, especially with the uncertain health of Joel Embiid and Paul George heading into the season.
Grimes is trying to find an NBA home. He was drafted by the Knicks, but has been traded three times since February 2024. Philadelphia feels like the place. He can thrive playing off Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and VJ Edgecombe as the Sixers build one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league. Daryl Morey has done well creating this group given their lack of financial flexibility. Now, he has to pay Grimes to keep them together.
The Philadelphia 76ers face significant uncertainty. They will work things out with Quentin Grimes, but what does their season look like? On paper, the Sixers are one of the most talented teams, but can their top talents stay on the floor? Nobody can answer that question. It is why they need upside shots on players like Grimes more than ever.
Quentin Grimes is still a restricted free agent. The two sides are slowly working toward a new contract, but neither side is in a rush. Stay tuned to see how long this standoff drags out.