Takeaways from Daryl Morey's extensive media availability in Las Vegas

Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey addressed media inquiries, covering several key team issues. Negotiations with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes remain ongoing, described by Morey as the last significant piece of business for the Sixers this summer. He acknowledged the challenging structure of restricted free agency under the CBA rules, noting similar stalemates exist for other high-profile RFAs like Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and Cam Thomas across the league, largely due to the matching rights held by incumbent teams and limited market money.

Morey confirmed that the uncertainty surrounding Grimes' contract situation directly impacted the team's ability to retain priority free agent Guerschon Yabusele. The Sixers technically possessed the taxpayer's mid-level exception but chose not to use it to avoid triggering a hard salary cap at the second apron, fearing this would prevent them from matching a potential offer sheet for Grimes. Consequently, they could only offer Yabusele a contract above the minimum but below the competitive value he ultimately received from the New York Knicks, leading to his departure. Morey expressed regret over this outcome, stating it "sucked," and reiterated that retaining Grimes was the priority.

Regarding player injuries, Morey provided positive updates on Joel Embiid and rookie Jared McCain. Both players, recovering from season-ending surgeries on their left knees, are reported to be "on track" to be ready for the start of training camp.