Quentin Grimes has positioned himself for a substantial pay increase this summer following an impressive stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, who acquired him as part of the Caleb Martin trade. Now a restricted free agent on an expiring deal, Grimes’ notable performances have significantly raised his market value, placing pressure on the Sixers to secure his future with the team.
According to Jake Fischer’s June 21 report in the SteinLine newsletter, Grimes is expected to receive a contract offer exceeding the $14.1 million mid-level exception. Fischer shared,
“Multiple numbers-crunchers we consulted indicated that Grimes, after his breakout scoring for the Sixers in March, does appear to be heading for a payday that starts north of the $14.1 million midlevel exception,”
underscoring the guard’s rising worth in the league.
During his 28 games with Philadelphia, Grimes averaged 21.9 points, 4.5 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency was a standout, with a 37.3% success rate from beyond the arc and 55.9% on two-point attempts, all contributing to his breakout season under coach Nick Nurse’s guidance.
However, the looming NBA draft adds uncertainty to Grimes’ role. If the Sixers select a guard with their third overall pick, general manager Daryl Morey might consider Grimes expendable, which could complicate Philadelphia’s plans to retain him long-term.
Philadelphia Also Weighs Re-signing Guerschon Yabusele Amid Financial Challenges
The Sixers’ summer decisions extend beyond Grimes, as Guerschon Yabusele also faces free agency. Yabusele, an unrestricted free agent who proved his value last season, may become too costly for the Sixers to bring back, especially with multiple veterans expected to activate player options soon. Reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer highlighted the financial dilemma:
“With a trio of Sixers veterans — Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon — all expected to soon activate the player options in their respective contracts for next season, it looks as though it will be increasingly challenging for Philadelphia to re-sign beloved big man Guerschon Yabusele,”
they wrote.
They added,
“The former first-round pick from France, who played last season on a minimum deal, is projected to have a strong market in free agency.”
Yabusele contributed solidly during his time with the team, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He also maintained efficient shooting, hitting 50.1% of his shots from the field and 38% from three-point range.
Daryl Morey Expresses Desire to Retain Yabusele While Managing Priorities
Despite the contract challenges, Sixers executive Daryl Morey conveyed a clear preference for keeping Yabusele as part of the team’s core. In a recent press conference, Morey praised Yabusele’s adaptability and impact, stating,
“We love what Guerschon was able to bring,”
as reported by Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire.
Morey elaborated,
“I think that was a great job by our scouting department. A great job by the coaching staff getting the most out of him. Just like Paul (George), he got pressed into some roles that were a little different from what he thought. We thought he was gonna play more of the 4 and he’s excelled there. He gave us a lot of minutes at the 5 as well,”
highlighting Yabusele’s versatility in the lineup.
Implications for the Sixers as They Navigate Contract Decisions This Summer
The Philadelphia 76ers face critical decisions this offseason, with multiple key players demanding financial attention. Locking in Quentin Grimes, who played an essential role during the latter part of the season, appears to be a priority. His projected $14 million-plus contract reflects his newfound importance to the team’s scoring offense and depth.
However, retaining Grimes might come with tradeoffs, potentially forcing the Sixers to part ways with Yabusele, whose rising value could make it difficult to keep both players under salary cap constraints. How Daryl Morey and the organization balance these competing needs will significantly influence the team’s competitiveness and roster configuration heading into the new NBA season.