The Quentin Grimes saga, tiresome as it may be, badly needs a resolution. Training camp is just right around the corner, and the Philadelphia 76ers can no longer afford to start the season on a nebulous footing. At this juncture, it is an imperative for the front office to further accelerate talks with his camp on a new pact to keep him in the city.
There have been numerous reports about the 25-year-old’s camp being desirous of a much more lucrative payday this offseason, but the specific figures have wavered. Some have him set to earn north of $20 million annually — and that has been his team’s belief — but the 76ers have been hesitant to even go near that number.
The 76ers are not alone in this field, though. Several other teams, like the Warriors and the Bulls, are likewise dealing with their own delicate situations in their respective bouts with the push-and-pull nature of restricted free agency. Yet Philly cannot simply relax with the upholstery of common experience and let things play out without their active involvement.
At some point, the front office needs to stiffen its stance. And thanks to a new spill, the 76ers could see a surprising outcome turn out that could put an end to this exhausting standstill.
Quentin Grimes could accept his qualifying offer with the 76ers
According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, given how slow negotiations with Grimes have become, he could ultimately see himself accepting Philadelphia’s $8.7 million qualifying offer if he continues to express derision to a modest, multi-year deal.
That is most certainly a figure that is a far cry from what his camp initially desired, but really, at this point, his options are not exactly teeming in quality. He could either take a short-term deal with the 76ers on a relative discount as an alternative, but that would severely hamper his ability to net a good payday.
If he accepts the qualifying offer, he would be betting on himself to cash in next summer instead, and honestly, that is probably the right play for him. Sure, the 76ers might only be renting him for another year, but that will net them some more flexibility to make moves and change parts when need be.
While definitely unexpected, this is perhaps the safest play for both parties. And with another year of partnership becoming inevitable, they should not delay this any longer as doing so benefits no one.