The Philadelphia 76ers have officially agreed to a contract with RFA Quentin Grimes. This signing is the final move of the RFA cycle during NBA free agency, as he and Jonathan Kuminga have now officially signed. Grimes accepted the $8.7 million qualifying offer.
Grimes and the 76ers were recently said to be “far apart” on a new contract. He likely wanted a multi-year deal, but Philadelphia was more interested in a one-year deal, a lower AAV multi-year deal, or perhaps just the qualifying offer.
Grimes had a deadline of October 1st to accept the qualifying offer. He had requested that Philadelphia push this date back, but his request was denied. He did not join the 76ers in Abu Dhabi for training camp as they prepared for their first preseason game.
The 76ers acquired Grimes in a deadline deal with the Dallas Mavericks last season. The trade sent Caleb Martin to Dallas. The trade was questionable at the time, but it turned out to strongly benefit Philadelphia. He went on to have a breakout stretch with the Sixers, making his free agency value skyrocket.
Grimes was given a huge opportunity last season after Philadelphia was ravaged by injuries. He essentially became a first option, leading to tremendous stats. He averaged 21 points in 28 games as a Sixer, an increase of over 10 ppg from his previous career high. This opportunity coming in a contract year was a perfect situation for him.
Grimes fits nicely next to Philadelphia’s all-star guard Tyrese Maxey and became even more valuable when Jared McCain was injured a few weeks back. The 76ers are loaded with young guards, which is why it makes sense they didn’t want to have a lengthy commitment to Grimes.
This contract was necessary for both parties. The Sixers were pushed into a corner once the McCain injury was announced, and Grimes had no other suitors who could afford his asking price. This was his opportunity at a major payday, and unfortunately for him, it did not fully go his way. He will look to have a strong season to maintain value heading into his next free agency appearance.
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