76ers & Quentin Grimes Contract Negotiations Stalled

The 76ers and Quentin Grimes remain at a standstill in contract talks, according to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko and Tony Jones. Both sides hope to continue discussions in the coming days.

Despite the lack of progress, the Sixers are “almost certain” they’ll keep Grimes on the roster. The team has dismissed all rumors about potential sign-and-trade scenarios.

Grimes, 25, has options. He could accept Philadelphia’s $8.7 million qualifying offer, which would let him become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

A sign-and-trade is technically possible but unlikely. That would require the Sixers to find a suitable trade partner for the four-year veteran.

The shooting guard made an impact after joining Philadelphia in a February trade with Dallas. He appeared in 28 games for the Sixers, starting 25 of them.

With injuries sidelining guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, Grimes got plenty of playing time to showcase his skills.

He made the most of his opportunity. Between his time with the Mavericks and Sixers last season, Grimes averaged a career-high 14.6 points while shooting an impressive 46.7% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

Grimes even joined elite company in Sixers history. According to Basketball Reference, he’s one of only four guards in franchise history to average 28.5 points over a 10-game stretch, alongside Maxey, Allen Iverson, and Hal Greer.

Sixers’ Summer Moves

The 76ers have been busy this offseason, though they’re working with limited resources.

They’re reportedly shopping veteran center Andre Drummond but haven’t found a deal yet. This comes after Drummond picked up his $5 million player option for next season.

Philadelphia did manage to bring back hometown hero Kyle Lowry on a one-year contract. The deal allows the Cardinal Dougherty and Villanova product to play his 20th NBA season.

The team also added veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon and signed power forward Trendon Watford to a two-year, $5.3 million deal. Watford, 24, spent the last two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets.

Power forward Jabari Walker joined on a two-way contract.

In the draft, the Sixers selected VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick.

Don’t expect any more big splashes from Philadelphia this summer. After landing Paul George last year, the team’s financial flexibility is extremely limited.

About 77% of the Sixers’ payroll – roughly $146 million – is tied up in just three players: Joel Embiid, George, and Maxey.