NBA Rumors: Nets Could Steal 76ers' Star In Free Agency

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a concerning position heading into the 2025-26 season. While they feature several talented players on their roster, they may have a difficult time retaining them due to their prevailing cap space issues.

One particular player that may cause the 76ers some trouble is their guard Quentin Grimes. The 25-year-old has shown a lot of upside, thus demanding a lot of attention from teams in the offseason. 

As a restricted free agent, Philadelphia may not have the resources required to retain him in the case he is presented with a big offer sheet, as is expected from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets have an incredible amount of cap space heading into next season. With the first apron expected to be at roughly $195 million, Brooklyn has more than enough money to present to the 76ers' rising star to sign him.

Grimes was earning $12.4 million in the final year of his contract, a paltry sum when considering his ceiling. Although the guard only played in 28 games for Philadelphia last season, he displayed all the makings of a star, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. These numbers only look better when considering that he recorded shooting splits of 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc.

Brooklyn's interest in Grimes could be justified in many ways. The 25-year-old appears to be the ideal partner for Nets guard Cam Thomas, potentially forming one of the most lethal young scoring duos in the league. 

Additionally, the 76ers guard has also shown an ability to make plays on his own, thus helping players such as Cam Johnson on the wing and Nic Claxton in the paint get more scoring opportunities.

The only obstacle in Brooklyn's approach is whether Philadelphia intends to prioritize matching any offer presented for Grimes.

The 76ers will be facing some major issues with cap space heading into the offseason. Their trio of Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey eats up a majority of their cap space next season. While Maxey is gifted in his own right, the team has a solid backcourt partner for him in Jared McCain, their rookie who showed flashes of brilliance during the season.

In this regard, Philadelphia may simply opt not to re-sign Grimes, showing faith in McCain's development. However, signing Grimes would also see the 76ers potentially lose their full non-taxpayer MLE, forcing them into a bit of a corner when it comes to signing other key players.

The offseason will require the 76ers to strategize their moves for the upcoming season very carefully, especially considering their No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft. 

Meanwhile, the Nets may also need to take stock of their situation. With players like Claxton, Cam Johnson, and Day'Ron Sharpe being mentioned in trade rumors, Brooklyn may have to reposition their team accordingly.