When the Dallas Mavericks inexplicably traded Quentin Grimes to the Philadelphia 76ers for Caleb Martin, the transaction at the time looked like a steal for Philly. Grimes made that look even more true to finish the season.
As the Sixers positioned themselves to land a top draft pick, Grimes played the best basketball of his career. In 28 contests, he averaged 22 points per game, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals per game. He also shot 47 percent from the field, and 37 percent from three-point range.
Grimes was hoping that his strong finish to the season would lead to a lucrative contract in restricted free agency. That has not been the case, and with the Sixers starting training camp, Grimes remains unsigned. He believes that he is worth $25 million, but he and Philly have been very far apart in contract talks.
The Sixers are making a mistake not re-signing Grimes
Philly is already facing uncertainty with the injury statuses of Joel Embiid, and Paul George. While both players remain optimistic about their recoveries, the Sixers need to be in the business of acquiring as much depth, and young talent as possible. Grimes has shown his potential, and he can help the Sixers stay afloat while their stars recover.
Additionally, Jared McCain just tore his UCL in his thumb, and may need surgery. McCain will likely miss multiple months, and that will make the Sixers very thin in the backcourt. A lot will be put on the plates of Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe as a result. Edgecombe is a rookie, and profiles as an athletic three-and-D player to start out, not as a ball handler.
Having Grimes in the mix as another ball handler in either the starting lineup, or off the bench will make life a lot easier for Maxey. Grimes has the ability to play both guard positions thanks to his bigger frame, and floor-spacing ability. He also grew as a passer when he was in the lead guard role for Philly last season.
Philadelphia has to find a resolution with Grimes soon
This is a crucial year for the 76ers. The East is wide open because of injuries to Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton. The Cavs, and Knicks are the favorites, but both have questions they need to answer. There are younger teams like the Magic, and Pistons, but it remains to be seen if they have what it takes.
This is Philly’s chance to finally advance to the next step in The Process. Keeping Embiid, and George healthy is the main objective, but also having as much talent, and depth as possible to get through the 82-game marathon, and into the playoffs. Getting Grimes re-signed, and ready to go should be their main objective before the season starts.
