Quentin Grimes emerged as a key contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers after joining from the Dallas Mavericks. He was one of the few bright spots in the Sixers’ disastrous season.
However, Grimes’ high-level production came with a caveat: it was driving up his value heading into the summer. Grimes is a restricted free agent. Therefore, the Sixers can match any offer sheet the impressive guard signs.
According to Marc Stein, via a June 29 edition of his “Stein Line” newsletter, Grimes is expected to earn a salary “of at least” $16 million on his next contract.
“The early rumbles out of Philadelphia on Quentin Grimes’ expected new deal: The restricted free agent is projected to land a starting salary of at least $16 million after his monster March,” Stein reported.
Grimes played in 28 games for the Sixers, averaging 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He shot 37.3% from 3-point range and 46.9% from the field. Philadelphia will undoubtedly look to retain his services, as Daryl Morey attempts to construct a roster capable of contending for a championship.
Andre Drummond Picks Up Player Option
Another player who came into the summer with question marks hanging over his future was Andre Drummond. The veteran center had a player option on his deal for the 2025-26 season.
On Friday, June 27, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Drummond has exercised his player option for next season. As such, he will remain part of Nick Nurse’s rotation.
“Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has picked up his $5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted.
Drummond, 31, played in 40 games for the Sixers last season. He averaged 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. He shot 50% from the field. Drummond is still one of the league’s best rebounders and most physical interior presences. He can play an important role for the Sixers’ second unit, if given the opportunity.
Sixers Face Challenging Battle to Keep Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele is another key free agent heading into the summer. The impressive forward signed a one-year deal with the Sixers last season. Therefore, he’s heading into unrestricted free agency.
According to a recent report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Sixers could struggle to retain Yabusele.
“With a trio of Sixers veterans — Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon — all expected to soon activate the player options in their respective contracts for next season, it looks as though it will be increasingly challenging for Philadelphia to re-sign beloved big man Guerschon Yabusele,” The duo reported. “The former first-round pick from France, who played last season on a minimum deal, is projected to have a strong market in free agency.”
Yabusele has earned a pay rise. He was a key part of Nurse’s second unit rotation and rarely put a foot wrong when on the floor. It’s clear why multiple contending teams around the NBA are expected to show interest in retaining Yabusele. After years of developing his game in Europe, Sixers fans are unlikely to begrudge him making the best decision for his career.
Nevertheless, Morey’s focus will likely be on Grimes, who was sensational after joining the franchise.
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