The NBA faces several restricted free agents (RFAs) with qualifying offers still unresolved, and among them is Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes. As August advances without a finalized contract, speculation grows that Grimes might accept the one-year qualifying offer, aiming to re-enter the market as an unrestricted free agent next offseason. This decision could have significant implications for his career and the Sixers’ roster strategy.

Industry Insight on Restricted Free Agents Considering the Qualifying Offer

NBA analyst Jake Fischer from ‘The Stein Line’ highlighted the restricted free agents who might take the “bet-on-yourself” approach by accepting their qualifying offer. Fischer identified Nets guard Cam Thomas as the most likely candidate, along with players like Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quentin Grimes.

“The Nets’ Cam Thomas might be the most likely of the four notable restricted free agents out there — along with Giddey, Kuminga and Philadelphia’s Quentin Grimes — to take the bet-on-yourself option and accept his qualifying offer,”

Fischer noted.

“Brooklyn has not made an aggressive effort to retain Thomas on any long-term deal, sources say. Sources also say Thomas is showing an increasing interest in playing out next season on a $6 million qualifier for the right to enjoy true free agency next summer.”

Thomas’s recent seasons have been marked by sharp scoring improvements but questioned efficiency. After averaging about 10 points per game during his first two seasons, he increased his scoring to over 20 points per game in the subsequent years, although shooting percentages remain modest at 44% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Thomas’s health challenges last season limited him to 25 games, yet he set career highs in points, rebounds, and assists.

Given the Nets’ ongoing rebuilding phase, their hesitation to invest in Thomas long-term suggests he could depart the Atlantic Division following the 2025-2026 season.

Quentin Grimes in a Similar Situation with the Sixers

The Philadelphia 76ers remain optimistic about re-signing Quentin Grimes on a multi-year contract. They acquired Grimes in a trade deadline swap with the Dallas Mavericks in 2025, parting ways with veteran Caleb Martin. Grimes showcased standout performances during his time with Philadelphia, especially when the team was missing key stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George.

During 28 games, Grimes averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists, displaying his value amid challenging circumstances. However, questions remain as to whether he can maintain this level on a team loaded with high-usage, expensive stars.

The Sixers are reportedly hesitant to meet Grimes’ initial contract demands but still hope to agree on a long-term deal to avoid entering next year’s free agency as an unanswered question mark. While the door remains open for other teams to extend offers, the Sixers hold matching rights, effectively making Philadelphia the focal point for Grimes’ future.

In parallel, Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas appears to have a similar trajectory, with both players facing a “team or bust” scenario regarding their restricted free agency outcomes.

Implications of the Restricted Free Agency Deadlock

The standoff between the Sixers and Quentin Grimes highlights the delicate balancing act teams endure when managing young talent’s contract rights in the NBA’s ever-evolving free agency landscape. Accepting the qualifying offer allows a player to bet on their future performance, risking one year on a modest salary in hopes of gaining unrestricted free agent status with improved leverage later.

For Philadelphia, agreeing to a multi-year deal with Grimes represents a step toward maintaining depth and preparing for the next championship push alongside stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George. Meanwhile, Grimes must weigh whether securing a guaranteed long-term contract now outweighs the possibility of enhancing his market value with another strong season.

This situation is watched closely by analysts and fans alike, as it offers insight into the evolving dynamics of restricted free agency and player valuation. What transpires over the coming weeks will not only affect Grimes’ career trajectory but also how other RFAs and teams approach qualifying offers in future NBA free agency cycles.