Daryl Morey gets honest on Quentin Grimes ‘challenging’ 76ers’ negotiations

Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey addressed the ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes during a recent appearance on the PHLY Sixers Podcast. In a conversation with Kyle Neubeck, Devon Givens, and Derek Bodner, Morey acknowledged the difficulty of reaching a deal under the NBA’s current salary cap rules.

“I think [we’ll] continue to have discussions with his representation,” Morey said. “I do think the structure of the rules make it challenging for all sides. I think that’s pretty evident when you look around the league, everyone is sort of in the same boat. We’ll hopefully continue to work on it. I don’t have much of an update besides that.”

Grimes, 25, arrived in Philadelphia via a midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks and quickly emerged as a reliable two-way contributor. In 28 appearances with the 76ers, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from three in 33.7 minutes per contest.

Grimes’ breakout performance in the second half of the season has reportedly increased his asking price to around $25 million annually. The 76ers, however, are not expected to offer a deal near that range. The team holds access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception — worth roughly $14 million — but utilizing it could trigger financial penalties depending on their proximity to the second tax apron.

Daryl Morey cites CBA challenges as Quentin Grimes deal stalls amid Sixers’ offseason moves