PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers entered the offseason committed to keeping Quentin Grimes. He was publicly framed as a priority. His strong finish last season suggested a new contract would arrive quickly. Instead, the 76ers finally offered Quentin Grimes a deal on September 24. It was not what the player or his camp expected. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the deal left Grimes “disappointed.”
76ers Risk Losing Quentin Grimes After Shocking Offer
Grimes had reasons to expect more. Following his trade to Philadelphia, he expanded beyond his 3-and-D label. In 25 starts, he averaged 23 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. His efficiency was strong, shooting .472 from the field and .381 from deep. Those numbers positioned him as more than a role player.
Negotiations Hit a Stalemate
Talks between Grimes, his agent David Bauman, and the Sixers stretched across the summer. Early proposals envisioned a deal starting between $17.5 million and $21 million annually, with future flexibility. That type of contract would reflect his new status as a starter. Instead, one idea Philadelphia pitched was a four-year, $39 million contract. Bauman called the structure essentially a “qualifying offer with small raises.”
Such terms equate to 5.6 percent of the salary cap, far below the league average for starters or sixth men. “At this point, the 76ers have formally offered Grimes a one-year deal that’s slightly higher than his qualifying offer of $8.7 million with the caveat that he’d waive his no-trade clause,” Scotto wrote.
Grimes sees that caveat as unfair. “For Grimes to waive his no-trade clause flexibility on any one-year deal, Philadelphia’s offer would preferably be somewhere north of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($14 million) and $19 million range,” Scotto added.
Options Narrow Before Deadline
The Sixers’ proposal maintains flexibility under the second apron. It also leaves the player facing an unappealing choice. Grimes could agree to the deal and sacrifice his no-trade leverage. Or he could hold firm and accept his $8.7 million qualifying offer. “Should no balloon one-year offer come to fruition, Grimes will strongly consider signing his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer and retaining his no-trade clause flexibility,” Scotto reported.
Bauman and Grimes have asked to push the qualifying offer deadline beyond October 1. This would give both sides more time. Still, the current trajectory points to a one-year contract. The 76ers lowball offer to Quentin Grimes now hangs over Media Day and the team’s preseason trip to Abu Dhabi.
A Crucial Decision Ahead
The outcome carries larger implications for Philadelphia. Grimes has shown starter-level production since his arrival. Yet the front office views his market differently. The gap between expectations and reality now defines negotiations. If no middle ground emerges, Grimes may bet on himself. That would reset talks in 2026 free agency, where other teams with cap space figure to make his market bigger.
For now, the offer on the table reflects a growing stalemate. Both sides want control. Neither side agrees on his true value.
Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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