Matters between Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers have only gotten stickier.
Grimes and the 76ers are still far apart in their negotiations for a new contract, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Wednesday. Both parties are staring at Grimes’ $8.7 million qualifying offer, a sign-and-trade, or a potentially larger one-year deal. He is one of the last remaining restricted free agents who are yet to secure a deal ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The Qualifying Offer
The deadline for a restricted free agent to accept or decline his qualifying offer is October 1st. However, Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that Grimes’ management proposed extending that deadline to October 8th, which would give them more time to negotiate a new deal with the 76ers.
If Grimes opted into his qualifying offer, it wouldn't benefit Philadelphia aside from the friendly dollar amount. The 76ers would remain under the $195.5 million first tax apron, but Grimes would essentially hold a no-trade clause. He would then enter unrestricted free agency next summer.
This would allow him to prove his worth. However, he would be competing against V.J. Edgecombe and Jared McCain, whenever he returns for playing time. If this backfires, Grimes may end up costing himself millions of dollars by weakening his value. Not to mention, if he were to waive his no-trade clause in a potential deal, the team receiving him wouldn’t inherit his bird rights.
A Balloon Deal
Another option that would be more beneficial to both sides would be Grimes signing a “balloon” deal. Philadelphia would ink Grimes to a one-year contract with a more desirable annual value.
Ideally, Grimes wouldn’t have a no-trade clause in this scenario. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported Thursday that Grimes would be open to this if he were paid over the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Philadelphia implemented a similar strategy with K.J. Martin last season as he signed a two-year, $16 million contract. The 76ers seemingly viewed him as a trade chip, but they ended up salary-dumping him to the Detroit Pistons on February 6th as they headed towards a tank.
Assuming Philadelphia doesn’t have an injury misfortune, perhaps it could trade him in return for a starting-caliber power forward. This direction also allows Grimes the luxury of unrestricted free agency next offseason.
What Now?
It remains ideal for Grimes to ink a multi-year contract with the 76ers. A player of his two-way caliber would be of great benefit to Philadelphia, which is now depleted at shooting guard amidst McCain’s torn UCL. Grimes would also serve as Edgecombe's insurance if his development takes a negative turn.
Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Thursday that the 76ers offered him a four-year, $39 million deal, which would pay him approximately $10 million annually. However, his camp views Grimes as a player who should rake in at least $20 million per year.
Philadelphia, without proper motivation to offer Grimes a sizable contract, and Grimes’ camp seem to be a ways away from a resolution. Jones reported Wednesday that Grimes will not participate in media day on Friday nor travel to Abu Dhabi for the 76ers’ slate of preseason games against the New York Knicks.