It’s been nearly a month since NBA free agency began. Nonetheless, Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers are yet to make any headway on a new contract. Many fans have grown frustrated with the lack of progress. But, if you look at what the Brooklyn Nets reportedly offered Cam Thomas, you’ll understand why these talks are dragging on.
Restricted free agency is dead
Yesterday, on Bleacher Report, Jake Fischer revealed that Brooklyn offered Thomas a two-year deal with a team option that would pay him $14.1 million per season. No matter how you feel about him, a player of his offensive caliber would’ve likely have gotten paid at least $20 million per year before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was implemented in 2023.
My point isn’t about Thomas’ value, but more about what Brooklyn’s offer says about the state of restricted free agency. While the new CBA has discouraged the formation of big threes in favor of parity, it has eliminated the NBA’s middle class. Due to the terrifying consequences of the second tax apron, teams are hesitant to splurge on high-end role players.
In short, the league-wide money has dried up for players of Grimes’ status, which is why he’s in a stalemate with the 76ers. “I do not think we’re getting any resolution this week or in July for Quentin Grimes…” Fischer said. “The Sixers 100% want to bring back Grimes – they want him at a very strong number… My latest understanding is that Grimes will also, in a similar capacity to Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas, [he] seems more likely to be signing a short-term agreement with Philadelphia.”
What are Grimes' options?
As a reminder, since Grimes is a restricted free agent, Philadelphia can exceed the salary cap to re-sign him using his full bird rights. It can also match any offer sheet a team may throw at him. With that in mind, Grimes’ camp is likely staying put with hopes that a mystery team could clear up cap space through a trade or waiving a player[s]. But, as it stands, there isn’t a club out there that can give him a competitive offer.
While the 76ers have the upper hand in negotiations, Grimes still has some options. On June 28th, Philadelphia tendered him an $8.7 million qualifying offer, which is the standard practice for restricted free agents. Historically, it hasn’t been the wisest decision, but Grimes could bet on himself by taking the offer. This would make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason, where he could seek out a long-term deal.
Or, he and the 76ers can simply work out the kinks for a multi-year deal like everyone is hoping for. Based on what players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Duncan Robinson, and Caris LeVert got, adding Grimes on a four-year/$64 million contract would be ideal for both parties. Still, it makes sense why each side is taking these negotiations slowly. Philadelphia has the leverage, so it doesn’t want to needlessly overpay Grimes. Meanwhile, his camp continues to wait for the last few offseason dominoes to fall to secure the most money possible.