It’s been a quiet offseason for some time now for the Sixers, but the question mark around Quentin Grimes’ free agency still lingers. While it’s always felt inevitable he’d be back in Philadelphia, it’s been unclear what his next contract would look like.
With many lofty early projections around the $20-million-per-year mark, Grimes accepting his qualifying offer (a one-year, $8.7 million deal with a no-trade clause) seemed very unlikely.
However, on a recent livestream, Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer said that now there is “buzz” of Grimes wanting to accept his qualifying offer after all.
We also heard from Fischer in late July that it was looking likely that Grimes would re-sign on a short-term deal. So, whether that’s the qualifying offer, or perhaps a two-year deal (that could more likely be in the range of about $15 million per year), Grimes staying on a shorter deal rather three or more seasons at a higher price point seems to be where we’re heading.
For Grimes, he’d lose some long-term financial security, but could bet on himself performing over the next two seasons in a solid role and pursue a bigger (and longer) deal in 2027 free agency. For the Sixers, they’ll lose the security of having Grimes locked in for three or more years, but they’ll be saving money and would have him on a tradeable deal if he doesn’t continue working out with the rest of their core.
Despite initial predictions suggesting that Grimes could make as much as around $20 million per season, there simply isn’t much money left around the NBA whatsoever at this point. With the Sixers pretty much bidding against themselves and trying to settle on a number that will keep Grimes content, it’s become more reasonable for his new salary to drop.
Grimes having a breakout season — showcasing just how much he can do not only defensively, but with a far higher offensive usage to create, fire threes, and handle the ball more than he has before — was one of the few bright spots of 2024-25 for the Sixers. There’s no doubt keeping him would be a real boost. It’s been a must since losing Guerschon Yabusele. It would also create a host of interesting lineup options with Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and new rookie VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers have a ton of talent and creative firepower in their backcourt now, with the off-ball shooting and defensive ability of Edgecombe and Grimes to support the smaller Maxey and McCain.
Perhaps knowing what re-signing Grimes will look like is finally getting close.