Quentin Grimes Returns to 76ers

Quentin Grimes is set to return to the Philadelphia 76ers after his impressive emergence as a starter during the latter part of the 2024-25 season. The young guard has agreed to a one-year qualifying offer worth $8.7 million, which includes a no-trade clause, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.

The Sixers initially made Grimes a restricted free agent by offering him the $8.7 million qualifying offer. His agent, David Bauman, revealed that the franchise's first proposal was a substantial four-year deal valued at $39 million. In response, Bauman countered with a one-year offer of $17 million and a two-year deal worth $34 million that contained a player option. Additionally, the Sixers made another one-year offer of $8.8 million, which would have required Grimes to waive his no-trade rights.

Grimes joined the 76ers in February as part of a trade involving Caleb Martin from the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to his trade, Grimes averaged 10.2 points while primarily playing off the bench in Dallas. However, injuries within the Sixers' rotation provided him an opportunity to shine as a starter. In 28 games with the Sixers, including 25 starts, he delivered exceptional performances, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game over more than 33 minutes of play. His shooting stats were equally impressive, hitting 46.9 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Grimes' role will be pivotal for the 76ers as they kick off the new season, especially with second-year guard Jared McCain recovering from thumb surgery. McCain is expected to be reevaluated in four weeks. With the support of teammates like Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Grimes hopes to help the 76ers bounce back and secure a playoff spot following a disappointing 2024-25 season.