Quentin Grimes Loses To 76ers Despite Big Shakeup

The news of Jared McCain’s torn UCL in a workout briefly hinted at leverage for Grimes. After all, fewer healthy guards should increase his value. But Philadelphia’s obsession with staying below the second apron reduces that possibility. Rather than a windfall, the Sixers look ready to keep costs low, even if that frustrates Grimes. This tug-of-war between Quentin Grimes and the Sixers, heightened by Jared McCain’s injury, headlines the team’s backcourt questions heading into October.

Production Makes the Gap Wider

Grimes reshaped his game in Philadelphia. More than just a 3-and-D player, he produced across the board in 25 starts. He averaged 23 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. He shot .472 from the field and .381 from three. Those numbers reflected a player capable of much more than a role.

That growth shaped his demands. Grimes’ agent, David Bauman, has pushed for a deal near $25 million annually. Philadelphia countered with an offer of less than $40 million across four seasons. That gulf was clear during discussions at Summer League and throughout the offseason. It explains why the Sixers delayed any formal proposal until late September.

One-Year Contract Could Be the End Game

Talks recently shifted toward a one-year pact. That deal would force Grimes to waive his right to block any trade before the February 5 deadline. The Sixers’ opening figure remains anchored near his one-year $8 million qualifying offer. How much higher can they go? Bauman proposed pushing back the October 1 deadline to October 8, buying time for more talks. So far, Philadelphia has refused.

Grimes’ camp having been hoping for a surprise sign-and-trade before October according to The Stein Line. Instead, the McCain’s injury is the only unexpected development. It raises the question of whether the Sixers will depend on Grimes more than expected. Without McCain, the guard rotation leans heavily on Tyrese Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe. Still, the Sixers show no signs of surrendering leverage.

Morey’s Comments Suggest Patience, Not Panic

“I think we will get to a resolution in the next few days hopefully,” Sixers president Daryl Morey told reporters Friday. “We’re excited to bring him back. Quentin’s a big part of what we’re trying to do, now and into the future, if we can get things resolved.”

The Sixers’ refusal to extend the qualifying offer deadline reflects who controls this negotiation. Despite injuries elsewhere, the franchise holds firm. If a deal emerges, it may land around $10 million with incentives, close to mid-level exception value. A trade kicker is possible if Grimes agrees to waive his implicit no-trade clause.

For now, the dynamic is clear. Quentin Grimes’ rise in production, combined with Jared McCain’s injury becoming intertwined in Philadelphia’s backcourt picture, does not shift power his way. Instead, Philadelphia stands prepared to dictate the terms, no matter the noise.