After losing Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers are under pressure to re-sign Quentin Grimes. The impressive guard is a restricted free agent this summer, and likely the Sixers top priority.
During a recent livestream for Bleacher Report, NBA Insider Jake Fischer explained why the Sixers must re-sign Grimes before the new season.
“They basically cannot mess this up because of letting Guerschon Yabusele head out the door to New York with the absolute eye on bringing back Quentin Grimes and not hardcapping themselves at the second apron,” Fischer said. “So the Sixers, if they have their wish, they will get Quentin Grimes and they will maintain flexibility with the second apron restrictions to be a player and have their full taxpayer mid-level exception available as a trade exception or as an opportunity to potentially outbid other contending teams on the buyout market in mid-season, post-trade deadline, or at other stages of the season.”
Fischer then continued to share his thoughts on what a new deal for Grimes could look like with the Sixers.
“Quentin Grimes seems more likely to be signing more of a short-term agreement with Philadelphia, as of my latest understanding, than anything else…With Grimes, I think again, his status seems more likely to be concluded by a short-term agreement, just like Jonathan Kuminga, just like Cam Thomas.”
Grimes made a big impression after joining the Sixers midway through the season, following a trade with the Dallas Mavericks. Daryl Morey clearly prioritized bringing him back this summer and will now need to follow through.
Patrick Beverley Sends Message to Sixers’ Grimes
During a recent episode of “The Pat Bev Podcast,” the former Sixers guard Patrick Beverley shared his thoughts on what contract Grimes is expected to covet in free agency.
“Yeah, he needs to relax,” Beverley said. “I’m all with the homies getting paid, but let’s be realistic. Go ahead and get a two-year. Put some more work in. Put some more of that joy back in the game like you’ve been doing…I don’t think he’ll get $25 million, right? We’ve seen what he’s done. I think he can go to a younger team and be explosive off the bench. But, I don’t know if 25 is the number. I hope he gets 25, but I don’t think 25 is the number for Quentin Grimes.”
Grimes will struggle to replicate the impact he made on the Sixers last season. He’s likely going to play a much more defined role once the star trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey are all back on the court and healthy.
Grimes Reportedly Seeking $25 Million Per Year
According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Grimes is looking for a contract in the region of $25 million per year.
“The Sixers have been in contact with Grimes and his camp, although the price may end up being steep,” Jones reported. “Grimes, 25, is looking for a contract that averages $25 million per season, league sources tell The Athletic. He has emerged as a dynamic scoring guard, and he gives the Sixers a mix of the ability to shoot from the perimeter and get to the basket and put pressure on the rim off the dribble.”
Grimes played in 28 games for the Sixers last season. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 37.3% shooting from deep. However, those numbers don’t match up with his career scoring. Therefore, he can’t lean on a 28-game sample size to try to leverage a big payday.
Grimes may need to lower his expectations if he wishes to remain in Philadelphia.
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