We’re back for the last mailbag before media day. Can’t believe it’s already here!
Seems like most of your questions and concerns surround restricted free agent Quentin Grimes and the fact that he remains unsigned. Let’s dive in.
Starting with a tough one. Full disclosure: I have no idea what’s going to happen, but my prediction is Grimes and the Sixers find common ground.
It benefits both sides to find a solution, whether that be a short- or long-term deal. In the Sixers’ case, it’s obvious. If Grimes signs the qualifying offer he’ll become an unrestricted free agent and the Sixers will no longer own his Bird Rights. It would also give Grimes an inherent no-trade clause. It would also be a tough look after the Sixers let Guerschon Yabusele sign with the New York Knicks in large part so they could fit Grimes’ new contract under the second apron.
While signing the qualifying offer would hurt the Sixers more than Grimes, it still leaves a ton of risk for the young guard. Yes, he will be a free agent next offseason when more teams have cap space available, but will those teams be ready to pony up the type of money Grimes is seeking? With the Sixers’ backcourt becoming mighty crowded and the possibility (note: I said possibility) of Joel Embiid and Paul George being back on the court, Grimes might not get the showcase opportunities he’s looking for.
Even if Grimes doesn’t want a long-term deal, signing even something like a two-year, $36 million deal would give him a huge payday while allowing him to hit the open market again before the age of 30. In my personal opinion, those numbers would likely align with his market value around the league. Also, if Grimes were to be traded after signing a deal, the team landing him would receive his Bird Rights, which would favor all parties — the Sixers would get better value, the team acquiring Grimes could exceed the cap to re-sign him and Grimes himself would likely get a better payday than if he hit the open market.
Tl;dr version: it’s in everyone’s best interest to get a deal done.
I don’t think it’s bad advice. Cam Thomas took the qualifying offer and Josh Giddey signed his contract only recently. Jonathan Kuminga is still in the middle of what seems like kind of ugly negotiations with the Warriors. The restricted free agent market is always tricky and slow developing. That’s especially the case under the new CBA.
My guess is his agent just wants all options exhausted before making a decision. You never know what can happen. Perhaps he’s also waiting for the fallout of the Kuminga situation before signing. Maybe a big trade or injury changes things for a team that might have interest in Grimes. There’s little downside to Grimes and his camp waiting until the last minute — especially if they truly want the Sixers to believe they’ll take the qualifying offer.
It’s a tough spot. You can’t blame Grimes for trying to get as much money and opportunity as he can. You also can’t blame Daryl Morey and the Sixers for refusing to negotiate against themselves. I’m sure both sides would like to have a solution by now, but they don’t.
Grimes is young, he knows Nick Nurse’s schemes, and by all accounts works extremely hard and keeps himself in great shape. And his teammates will understand the business side of things. No matter what his contract situation looks like, I believe Grimes will be ready to go for opening night.
To go back to the last question, yes, a situation like this could open up options for Grimes. However, the Rockets are currently not a fit because of how tight they are up against the second apron.
Now, this is another situation where Grimes taking the qualifying offer could wind up hurting him. Even if he waived his no-trade clause, Houston would not have his Bird Rights if they acquired him ahead of the deadline. That means it would be borderline impossible for the Rockets to re-sign Grimes next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Grimes grew up in the area and transferred to Houston after a year at Kansas. He still works out at the university in the offseason. If he’d like a realistic path to play at home, it would likely require him to sign a short-term deal here and then be moved when he’s trade eligible.
Will this factor into his decision? I don’t know. But a trade with the Rockets, when legally allowed, could help both teams.