Sixers' ruthless strategy will soon deliver huge free agent steal

The Philadelphia 76ers have experienced a mixed offseason, highlighted by drafting V.J. Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after Ace Bailey declined to work out for them. They re-signed Kelly Oubre affordably but lost Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks. A key development involves restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, who sought a $25 million annual contract but faces limited market interest due to depleted league cap space.

Grimes' situation favors the Sixers, as rumored interest from the Utah Jazz in clearing cap space for an offer sheet has not materialized. This increases Philadelphia's chances of retaining him, which would be significant given his outstanding performance last season: in 28 games after being traded from Dallas, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three-point range.

Retaining Grimes could help the Sixers recover from a season plagued by injuries to Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. However, Grimes might accept a one-year qualifying offer of $8.7 million, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when more teams have cap space. This scenario would give Philadelphia one season of his services but complicate long-term retention.

If Grimes takes the qualifying offer, the Sixers could trade him before the 2025-26 deadline to acquire assets. Alternatively, a less dominant statistical season might lower his market value next summer, potentially enabling Philadelphia to re-sign him long-term. Overall, the lack of competitive offers positions the Sixers to retain Grimes for evaluation alongside a healthier roster, with flexibility to extend or trade him later.