Sixers Face Decision on Quentin Grimes Ahead of Free Agency

With the Philadelphia 76ers recently appointing Mike Gansey as their new President of Basketball Operations, the franchise is now tasked with addressing key free agency matters. The free agency period opens on June 30 at 6 p.m. EDT, but the team can start discussions with their own free agents once the NBA Finals conclude. This allows Gansey and his team to engage with players like Quentin Grimes to determine the best course of action moving forward.

Grimes had a challenging summer as a restricted free agent in 2025, aiming for a contract between $20 million and $30 million. However, when no substantial offers came through, he opted to return to the 76ers, accepting an $8.7 million qualifying offer. Over the course of 75 games, he averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 33.4% from beyond the arc. Despite starting only 19 games, Grimes effectively embraced a bench role.

His playoff performance saw a dip, as he averaged just 6.7 points on 5.3 shot attempts per game. Although he managed to shoot 40% from three-point range in the postseason, he struggled to score in double digits during nine of the 11 playoff games. His standout moment came in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics, where he contributed 18 points off the bench.

This situation raises the question: What should the Sixers do regarding Grimes? Following the trade of Jared McCain at the deadline, allowing Grimes to depart would be disappointing for the franchise. Given that he is likely seeking a deal around $15 million annually, the Sixers may find this reasonable, considering his consistent scoring and versatility on both ends of the court. Unless there is a backup plan in place—whether through the draft or other free agency moves—retaining Grimes seems crucial as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.