Daryl Morey came into the offseason with a stacked to-do list. Now that the NBA Draft is over, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ President of Basketball Operations must turn his attention to restricted free agency. The Sixers will likely want to retain Quentin Grimes.
However, in a recent article, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton cited the Chicago Bulls as a team that could make sense for Grimes. Fortunately, Pelton noted that Josh Giddey‘s restricted free agency remains the focus for the Windy City franchise. Of course, that could change if Giddey heads elsewhere this summer.
“Chicago would actually make some sense,” Pelton noted, “But the Bulls are busy dealing with Giddey’s restricted free agency.”
Nevertheless, if another team swoops in to steal Giddey away from Chicago, the Bulls could certainly turn their attention to the Sixers guard. Grimes was impressive after joining Nick Nurse’s team midway through last season. He earned himself a pay rise and is yet to agree on terms for a new deal with the Sixers.
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.
Grimes Set For “At Least” $16 Million Per Year
According to Marc Stein, via a June 29 edition of his “Stein Line Newsletter,” the Sixers guard 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.
Philadelphia’s guard rotation is incredibly strong. Nurse has Tyrese Maxey, Grimes, VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain and potentially Kyle Lowry to call upon. Still, Grimes was one of the team’s most consistent performers during the stretch run of the season. Nurse will undoubtedly want to keep him around as Philadelphia tries to contend for a championship next season.
Sixers Lose Guerschon Yabusele in Free Agency
Another reason the Sixers will likely want to wrap up negotiations with Grimes is the fact that they’ve already lost Guerschon Yabusele to the free agent market. The impressive forward has signed a deal to join the New York Knicks.
“Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on July 1. “The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday.”
Yabusele was a key member of the Sixers’ rotation last season. He ended the campaign with averages of 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 50.1% from the field and 38% from 3-point range. Philadelphia will likely struggle to replace his impact off the bench.
Nevertheless, by Yabusele walking away, the Sixers are now free to focus on retaining Grimes. If Morey is smart, he will get the negotiations wrapped up sooner rather than later. After all, Grimes can negotiate with any team in the NBA.
And if a team like the Bulls strikes out on their top target, Grimes will quickly become a desirable replacement. The Sixers can’t let that happen.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Sixers’ Quentin Grimes Could Emerge on Conference Rival’s Radar appeared first on Heavy Sports.