Sixers, Quentin Grimes remain ‘very far’ apart with camp, deadline looming

Quentin Grimes was one of the Sixers’ bright spots after arriving from Dallas at last season’s trade deadline, posting career highs of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists across 28 games in Philly.

But his restricted free agency continues to drag on, with no end in sight, and a deadline around the corner.

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania on NBA Today, Grimes and the Sixers are “very far apart” in negotiations. Shams added that Grimes’ camp told him the guard won’t attend media day Friday and won’t be traveling with the team for its preseason trip to Abu Dhabi.

This comes as Philadelphia retools its backcourt after drafting high-flying guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick in June. Add in the uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid and Paul George’s health, and the Sixers appear hesitant to lock themselves into a pricey long-term deal.

That leaves three main outcomes on the table as the October 1 deadline nears:

• Grimes signing the one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer (which would give him a no-trade clause and send him into unrestricted free agency next summer),

• A one-year deal at a higher number,

• Or a sign-and-trade if the two sides agree to move on quickly.

For now, the standoff continues, and the Sixers could be without one of their best young guards when camp opens.

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