When the stars are sidelined, Quentin Grimes steps up and gets buckets. When they're healthy and available, he readily accepts more of an off-ball role. No matter who else is playing, he places an emphasis on defense. To put it plainly: No matter what the Philadelphia 76ers need, Grimes answers the call.
With unrestricted free agency looming and a potentially lucrative new contract just over the horizon, Grimes has proven that the 76ers can't afford to let him walk.
Grimes, 25, has proven as adaptable as any player on Philadelphia's roster during his two seasons with the franchise. Despite enduring a grueling period of restricted free agency that ultimately saw him have to settle for his qualifying offer, he's provided consistent energy and intensity to the 76ers.
The result has been a sustained step forward as a playmaker, a clear statement of willingness and proficiency as a defender against high-level opponents, and a thorough display of his all-around scoring value.
Unfortunately, keeping Grimes in Philadelphia will require the 76ers to pay him a considerable amount of money. He's proven himself to be a quality three-point shooter, reliable defender, and well-rounded offensive player who can offer value as a starter or sixth man.
Assuming the cost of re-signing Grimes is within reason, however, the 76ers must be prepared to keep the core together and pay him this coming summer.
Quentin Grimes adapts his game to whatever the 76ers need from him
The primary facet of Grimes' value to the 76ers is that he's one of the best defensive players on the roster—if not in the NBA at large. According to Basketball Index, he ranks in the 87th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, the 90th percentile in off-ball chaser defense, and the 93rd percentile in ball screen navigation.
It should thus come as no surprise that the 76ers are allowing 111.7 points per 100 possessions when Grimes is on the court and 115.2 when he isn't—their worst defensive rating sans any player who's received at least 500 minutes this season.
Offensively, Grimes is averaging 12.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 three-point field goals made per game on .444/.351/.844 shooting. Though some might call for a higher baseline of efficiency from a player in his position, the moving parts in Philadelphia must be acknowledged.
Grimes is constantly alternating between playing as a relatively featured scorer and facilitator, and working in more of an off-ball capacity depending on if Joel Embiid and Paul George are active—and they've each missed at least 26 games.
Quentin Grimes offers tremendous defense, well-rounded offense
Furthermore, Grimes is shooting 39.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes thus far in 2025-26. Among 76ers players, only George has been more efficient. Grimes is also averaging 6.1 drives per game—trailing only Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe.
Though Edgecombe is driving more at 7.0 per contest, he's also shooting just 40.9 percent compared to Grimes at 49.0. Maxey, meanwhile, is the only 76er averaging more passes via drives than Grimes.
Compounded by the fact that Grimes ranks in the 79th percentile in matchup difficulty as a defender, there's no denying his importance to Philadelphia. He not only takes pressure off of the stars, but is able to thrive in both an off-ball role and as a complementary individual shot creator and playmaker.
With such well-rounded value to a 76ers team that's overcome massive injury issues due in large part to his presence, Grimes has earned a new contract.