Negotiations between the Philadelphia 76ers and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes have stalled, with both sides “very far apart on a deal,” according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Today, Charania reported that the Sixers only made their first formal offer to Grimes on Wednesday. His agent, David Bauman, confirmed the development but added that the guard will not attend the team’s Media Day on Friday.
Bauman also said Grimes will not travel with Philadelphia to Abu Dhabi this weekend for preseason action. That absence underscores the growing divide between the two parties as training camp approaches.
Grimes, 25, is eligible for an $8.7 million one-year qualifying offer. Accepting it would allow him to play out the season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Charania noted that other potential outcomes include a sign-and-trade or a one-year deal above the qualifying figure if Grimes waives his no-trade clause. Still, no resolution appears close as the October 1 deadline looms.
Philadelphia’s approach is influenced by several factors. The addition of top-three draft pick V.J. Edgecombe changes the balance of the backcourt, while health concerns for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George complicate the team’s long-term planning.
Committing to a multi-year, high-value deal for Grimes under these circumstances has proven difficult for the Sixers’ front office. Their proximity to the luxury tax apron further limits financial flexibility.
Grimes joined the Sixers last season in a midseason deal from the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 28 games in Philadelphia, shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
His two-way play quickly earned him a starting role under head coach Nick Nurse, with the guard showcasing both defensive versatility and secondary playmaking.
Despite his production, Grimes has drawn a wide range of market valuations this summer. Projections have varied between $40 million and $75 million in total value, depending on contract length and team cap space.
