Negotiations between the Philadelphia 76ers and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes appear to be trending toward a one-year contract. League sources told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype that Philadelphia’s formal offer on September 24 fell short of the guard’s expectations.
Grimes, 25, is eligible for an $8.7 million one-year qualifying offer. Accepting it would allow him to retain his no-trade clause flexibility and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Sixers’ offer, slightly above the qualifying figure, requires Grimes to waive his no-trade clause. Sources indicate the team preferred a longer-term deal but could not meet his salary expectations while balancing luxury tax concerns.
Grimes’ agent, David Bauman, confirmed the guard will skip the team’s Media Day and not travel to Abu Dhabi for preseason action. This absence underscores the ongoing divide as the October 1 negotiation deadline approaches.
Philadelphia’s hesitation to commit to a multi-year, high-value deal stems partly from backcourt changes. The addition of top-three draft pick VJ Edgecombe and health concerns for Joel Embiid and Paul George have complicated roster planning.
Grimes joined the Sixers midseason last year via a trade from the Dallas Mavericks. In 28 games with Philadelphia, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
His two-way play quickly earned him a starting role under head coach Nick Nurse. Grimes’ defensive versatility and secondary playmaking added depth to Philadelphia’s lineup, further boosting his market value.
Despite his production, projections for Grimes’ market value varied widely this summer, ranging from $40 million to $75 million depending on contract length and team cap space. Other teams with cap space, like the Brooklyn Nets, have explored potential offer sheets, though interest has reportedly been limited.
With both sides far apart on terms, a one-year deal remains the most likely outcome. Such a contract would allow the guard to maintain flexibility while the Sixers manage payroll and roster considerations.
