Sixers face a tough reality check with Quentin Grimes

Amidst a disastrous 2024-25 season, the Philadelphia 76ers stumbled into a bright spot. 

In early February, they swapped Caleb Martin for Quentin Grimes. At the time, the move was seen as a way of adding an additional second-round pick to general manager Daryl Morey's war chest while also taking a flyer on Grimes.

With so many injuries across coach Nick Nurse's roster, Grimes was quickly given a significant role in the offense. And, just like that, both the guard and the Sixers captured lightning in a bottle. 

In 28 regular-season appearances, Grimes averaged career-highs across the board, with 21.9 points, 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game on 16.4 shot attempts. His performances gave Sixers fans a reason to smile when everything around them was falling apart. 

However, with each passing game, Grimes was driving up his value for this summer, where he became a restricted free agent. 

"The 76ers have indicated for some time that they were intent on retaining Grimes, who had a monster March as a scorer for his new injury-depleted team after Philadelphia acquired him from Dallas in February," NBA insider Jake Fischer reported via "The Stein Line" newsletter. "The expectation persists that the sides will ultimately hash out no less than a three-year deal."

Retaining Grimes is the smart move. Nurse knows he can trust him to step up when called upon. It's also clear he can carry an offense when the chips are down. However, neither Philadelphia nor Grimes should come into next season expecting a repeat of Grimes' first few months with the franchise.

Philadelphia's injured roster should be (almost) back to full strength by opening night. Tyrese Maxey will be back in the rotation, and Jared McCain will need a bigger role. And the coaching staff must find minutes for fellow guard and 2025 third-overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe. Grimes will be given a defined role, rather than being handed the keys and asked to make things happen.

Therefore, Morey must be wise in terms of the contract offer he puts on the table. You can't pay a player based on a three-month run, not when his overall body of work is so different. Grimes flourished in a situation that allowed him to do so. Next season, that opportunity won't exist. And, even if it does, Edgecombe will be the beneficiary.

As such, Grimes and the Sixers must be realistic in their negotiations. If they can reach an agreement, it will suit everybody. And, who knows, maybe he does have another Jeremy Lin-style run, even if just for a few weeks.