Quentin Grimes emerged as an important piece for the Philadelphia 76ers down the stretch of the 2024-25 season, where he showed that he can expand his role beyond 3-and-D following the trade from the Dallas Mavericks. The restricted free agent had amazing production in games he started, scoring 23 points on elite efficiency (38.1% from three). His performance has put him in the conversation for a long-term deal, but negotiations have stalled.

Grimes’ primary goal, according to insider Mike Scotto, is securing compensation that reflects his impact and production. He said, “Should no balloon, one-year offer come to fruition, Grimes will strongly consider signing his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer with the Sixers and retaining his no-trade clause flexibility.” For Grimes, the qualifying offer is a strategic move: no trade clause this season, unrestricted free agency next. However, this would require him to keep his production from the end of last season.

The 76ers have offered him a one-year deal slightly above the qualifying offer ($8.7M), but they require him to waive his no-trade clause. The organization is trying to balance cap considerations, sitting just $9.8M under the first apron following Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre exercising their player options, and the roster flexibility with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George already taking up most of the team’s salary. Multiple proposals for a longer-term deal with Grimes have been discussed, including a four-year, $39M deal, but have been declined by his camp due to the gap in valuation between him and the Sixers. Grimes reportedly prefers a deal in the $17.5-21M range.

Adding to this complexity is sophomore guard Jared McCain’s UCL injury. With McCain now sidelined for at least 4-6 weeks, Grimes may be asked to step into a larger role, giving him more leverage in the negotiations. Though the team has a potential backup in the #3 pick, VJ Edgecombe, Grimes has already proved that, given the opportunity, he can increase his contribution.

For now, the path forward seems like a one-year deal, whether it’s Quentin Grimes accepting the QO or Philly increasing their offer. Either way, the October 1st deadline to pick their position is less than a week from now, and both sides need to agree on a decision quickly.

How the 76ers are Navigating Grimes’ Free Agency

Philadelphia needs to carefully balance its guard minutes with Maxey, Edgecombe, Grimes, and McCain (once he returns). Grimes’ one-year deal gives the Sixers the ability to allocate playing time to a solid guard rotation without committing long-term salary, especially with Embiid and Paul George taking up major cap space.

If the front office does want to keep Grimes, potentially trading Andre Drummond or Kelly Oubre would make more space under the first apron, giving them the ability to make more space for Grimes’ deal. Despite Drummond being rumored to the Nets, nothing has materialized yet for either candidate.

From a strategic perspective, the QO or a one-year deal lets Philadelphia retain Bird Rights, which lets the Sixers exceed the salary cap to re-sign him, and keeps the option open for the summer. The team will likely monitor his performance and the other young guards before committing any long-term resources.