The Philadelphia 76ers have been navigating contract talks with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes this summer, though discussions on a long-term deal have seemingly gone nowhere.
The restricted free agent market has been a central topic this offseason, with Cam Thomas, Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey and Grimes all holding out for new deals. However, Thomas recently accepted his $6 million qualifying offer and will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. With Thomas being the first domino to fall, Grimes may follow suit and look toward the future.
Grimes has reportedly been seeking a new deal worth at least $20 million per year, though the 76ers must remain mindful of the second apron. Signing the 25-year-old swingman to his desired deal would certainly push the team over the first apron, and potentially past the second-apron threshold as well.
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76ers avoiding second apron amid Quentin Grimes contract talks
With training camp approaching, time is running out for Grimes and the Sixers to work out a long-term deal. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints explained how a new contract would affect Philadelphia’s salary cap and why Grimes may ultimately take the qualifying offer.
“Any long-term contract with Grimes immediately pushes the 76ers over the first apron, and it could result in them becoming a second-apron team this year,” he wrote. “If this were an option for the Sixers, then a new deal would’ve been agreed upon by now. As a result, it’s safe to assume that Daryl Morey and his front office will be avoiding the second apron altogether.”
It appears likely the Sixers plan to avoid the second apron, meaning Grimes won’t receive the offer he was pursuing earlier this summer. If that is a dealbreaker for the former first-round pick, he’ll likely accept his $8.7 million qualifying offer and hit unrestricted free agency next offseason.
The 76ers have Jared McCain and V.J. Edgecombe alongside Tyrese Maxey as well, so overpaying Grimes may not be worth it. Still, he proved to be a dangerous weapon for the injury-riddled Sixers last season. After being traded from the Dallas Mavericks, Grimes appeared in 21 regular-season games for Philadelphia, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals across 33.6 minutes per game.
According to Siegel, the Sixers could still remain under the second apron by signing him to a deal worth no more than $15 million annually. Grimes could serve as a valuable trade asset, though he could also bet on himself by signing the qualifying offer.
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