Although the Sixers just made their first formal offer to restricted free agent Quentin Grimes earlier this week, they have discussed various contract frameworks with his agent David Bauman several times throughout the offseason, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
As Fischer explains, the 76ers were hesitant to extend a formal offer until recently because they realized there was a significant gap in what they were willing to pay Grimes compared to what he and his representatives were seeking on a new deal.
While Grimes’ camp had some hope of a potential sign-and-trade materializing, that outcome appears unlikely, Fischer writes. The most likely scenario, Fischer continues, is Grimes signing a one-year deal that comes in above his $8.7MM qualifying offer.
Fischer confirms that Bauman asked the Sixers to extend Grimes’ qualifying offer deadline from October 1 to October 8, in part because the team is traveling to Abu Dhabi for a pair of preseason games. But Philadelphia hasn’t shown any interest pushing back the deadline to this point.
Following up on his previous report that the Sixers floated the idea of trading Kelly Oubre Jr. or Andre Drummond — or both — to make a more lucrative contract offer to Grimes, Fischer says Philadelphia’s front office has been “adamant” that it is unwilling to add draft picks to shed either of those salaries.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga have not had any talks about potentially moving back his Oct. 1 qualifying offer deadline, sources tell Fischer. Golden State appears unwilling to budge on its latest contract offers, per Fischer, including a three-year, $75MM proposal which contains a team option for 2027/28. Kuminga’s camp has “pushed hard” for a player option instead of a team option, Fischer writes, but hasn’t had any luck so far. Fischer confirms the Kings tried to restart sign-and-trade talks for Kuminga, but the Warriors aren’t interested in taking back Malik Monk, in part because of his $21.5MM player option for ’27/28. The Warriors want to maintain maximum roster flexibility for the 2027 offseason, Fischer explains, when the contracts of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green expire.
- According to Fischer, the Heat showed some interest in Mo Bamba before the former lottery pick signed a training camp deal with the Jazz. Bamba landing with Utah has led to speculation that Kevin Love might be nearing a buyout agreement, but “all signs” currently indicate that Love will begin the season with the Jazz, Fischer writes.
- Fischer hears the Rockets aren’t expected to look for immediate backcourt help in the wake of Fred VanVleet‘s torn ACL, preferring instead to see how Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson respond to increased on-ball responsibilities. Houston may explore adding guard depth down the line, Fischer writes, but that likely won’t occur until at least December 15, when many free agent signings become eligible to be moved. According to Fischer, there’s still an expectation that Kevin Durant will eventually sign an extension with the Rockets, but a potential rookie scale deal for Tari Eason appears less certain.
It would make no sense for the warriors to delay the Oct 1st deadline since they have so many players waiting to sign the contracts. It would also delay them for training camp. Kuminga needs to make a decision take the offer or the QO. If a team wants him they have until Tuesday to go after him.
Ever since the draft. I have said Bamba is a better athlete than Mitch. I really don’t understand why by now. Someone hasn’t helped him find his place in NBA. He can be better than Mitch imo. Cause he has better offense. Is it him ?? The NBA does fail players sometimes. Shame really.
With McCain hurt. Sixers are lost by lowballing Grimes. He can start with Maxey. And showcase his game. Then could be easily moved later on. Just bad business imo.
Why wouldn’t you give Kuminga the PO in third year. He will be traded by TD. Or as soon as possible. Which most likely is by Dec 15. So why would it matter…….
link to youtu.be
We All Know WHY ?? 4 days till Kuminga signs his QO. Four days till Horford, Melton, Payton ……..
Four days till Oct 1st ……. 🥹😢😩
Neither side is gonna to budge. Best thing is for the warriors to make it a 2 year deal for $48 million. Gives Kuminga the money he wants and the warriors are not hurting their future with a big contract. Neither team or player want an option third year deal so it works it out for both.
Warriors aren’t going to keep Kuminga. Makes no sense really when their priority is another run. Kuminga is their biggest trade chip. He is way overpaid to backup Jimmy. So best move for team. Is get another young talent that fits this team better now. An example:; Kessler. Right now and for next 3 yrs. He is a better fit. Makes Team better. Kuminga doesn’t help you this year. So why does a PO matter. He has to be traded as soon as possible.
I agree it would be a good deal kessler straight up for Kuminga but Utah doesn’t want kuminga for some reason. the problem for the warriors nobody wants to trade anything for Kuminga. i don’t get why the Kings who want Kuminga is low balling the warriors. They even made Ellis untradeable who is not a starter on their team. I still say some team will flinch and send something of value to the warriors.
Because the Kings aren’t going to bid against themselves? Until someone actually offers something, they have put out the best offer. Not like they need this trade. The Warriors on the other definitely need a trade, even if it’s not with the Kings. The Warriors hold 0 chips in this ordeal. Which is why the offers aren’t coming.
kings could be waiting for him to take the QO so then matching value is easier since it will be $7.9 million. Sending over Ellis and Carter with a protected 1st rounder.
arc at 7.9 mill. There will be offers. Even if its a three way trade. Kuminga is a big time player for a rebuilding team. Kessler is just an example. Warriors can use a scoring PG, a defensive wing that can shoot, or a center. Kuminga will fetch that soon. Trust me. Just have to be patient.
So if they invest in Grimes, what’s that do to VJ and if/when McCain is healthy?
You give Grimes 4/80 and now he’s your starter until you move him. No one is trading for a 20M bench player.
If he was a 6-7, 6-8 SF he’d be signed already.
Love VJ man. He is a humble kid who is so great full to be in NBA. Next Vince to me. He is too young 3-4 yrs away. He can help little by little. No reason to throw him into fire now. That’s why I sign Grimes. VJ can grow and you get a look. Grimes can be moved by TD. Both McCain and VJ are really rookies. Sixers don’t need to depend on them. Just make sure they develop and grow. Too much talent is never a bad thing lol.
Think Murray when you look at Grimes. Nobody even talks about his D. He won Thibs over with his D man. Imo he will take 32 mill two yrs.