76ers Reportedly 'Almost Certain' Quentin Grimes Will Return on New Contract in NBA FA
The Philadelphia 76ers are confident about re-signing restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones.
Jones reported Tuesday that the Sixers "are almost certain they are going to retain him, and splashed cold water on potential sign-and-trade scenarios."
The biggest danger to Philly was that Grimes might be headed toward a big payday after averaging 21.9 points and 4.5 assists in 28 appearances with the team to close out last season.
The 76ers have the ability to match any offer sheet he signs, but they'll be wary of the final price tag when they already have so much committed to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.
Fortunately for the team, Jones wrote the market for Grimes "is virtually non-existent."
This was something that occasionally happened under the old collective bargaining agreement. If outside suitors sensed their offer for a restricted free agent would likely be matched, then they sometimes wouldn't put forth the effort and focus instead on other targets.
Now you have an additional variable with the current CBA, which is more restrictive and causing front offices to be more fiscally prudent. Players in Grimes' position are getting squeezed in a noticeable way.
The only real question left surrounding the 6'4" guard seems to be whether he takes the biggest deal Philadelphia is willing to offer him or leaves money on the table in order to return to free agency as quickly as possible.
Grimes could simply sign the $8.7 million qualifying offer. He'd have another year to demonstrate his value on the court in the hope of having more leverage as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The danger with that approach is that the situation may not be much different a year for now. Maybe he suffers an injury, or his game regresses to where it was before he arrived in Philly. Cap space could dry up quickly around the NBA again.
One thing is becoming increasingly clear: Grimes will be a member of the 76ers to open the 2025-26 season. How long he calls Philadelphia home is the crux of the matter.
