The Sixers’ top priority in free agency is finally complete — though it played out far differently than they would’ve liked. Quentin Grimes has signed his qualifying offer for one year and $8.7 million.
Given the complexity of restricted free agency and the two sides being so far apart in negotiations, things turned a bit ugly. This resolution amounts to a lose-lose. The agreement was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Grimes and the Sixers had until Wednesday to work out an agreement, with the deadline for the guard to sign the qualifying offer being Oct. 1. Now, Grimes will potentially reach unrestricted free agency in 2026 in what his agent is hoping will be a more robust market. Grimes also gets an inherent no-trade clause, which hurts the Sixers — and could eventually hurt Grimes if he loses playing time and touches on a younger and (hopefully) healthier roster. The team also loses his Bird rights, making re-signing the guard very tricky this offseason.
The Sixers acquired Grimes and their own 2025 second-rounder back (Johni Broome was selected) from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline for Caleb Martin — and eventually a 2030 second-rounder when Martin’s hip injury was worse than initially believed. With the Sixers suffering a comical amount of injuries, Grimes was given plenty of runway and took off.
Though it was only the second-worst trade Nico Harrison made ahead of the trade deadline, surely Grimes’ success as a Sixer must sting. The 24-year-old was a revelation in 28 games for Philadelphia, averaging 21.9 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 37.3% on 7.9 attempts from three per game. His month of March was particularly excellent when he averaged 26.6 points a game (including two 40-balls against two West playoff teams) on 50.4/40.3/73.8 shooting splits.
With Grimes returning, the selection of VJ Edgecombe at No. 3 overall, and the returning Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain (who will miss the beginning of the season while recovering from surgery on a torn UCL in his thumb) all in the fold, the Sixers’ frontcourt is a bit crowded. How will Nick Nurse juggle having four talented guards all under the age of 25? How much will Grimes being here for only a one-year deal affect the team’s decision-making? We’ll see.
With the situation now resolved, we’ll see what the Sixers do next. Multiple reports have suggested the team could now look to salary dump Andre Drummond ($5 million) and/or Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.3 million) to a team with cap space like the Brooklyn Nets. That type of move would free up a roster a spot for a potential minimum signing while also creating breathing room for the team below the second apron. Given Grimes’ cap hit comes in at just $8.7 million, there’s no immediate need for any action.
The Sixers are in Abu Dhabi (without Grimes) for a pair of preseason games against the New York Knicks. The first will be this Thursday (12 p.m. EST, NBATV).
