LAS VEGAS — The Philadelphia 76ers and restricted free agent Quentin Grimes remain at a contract impasse, a situation that has already impacted the team’s offseason roster moves.
Daryl Morey, the 76ers’ president of basketball operations, confirmed Friday that the team is still in negotiations to re-sign the guard but offered no specific timeline for a resolution.
“We’ve had discussions — and discussions recently — with [Grimes’] representation,” Morey told reporters during the NBA Summer League. “We want to retain Quentin. We hope to work that out with his representation, and our focus [is] on making sure that happens.”
Morey acknowledged that the financial uncertainty surrounding Grimes’ contract directly contributed to the departure of free-agent big man Guerschon Yabusele, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the New York Knicks.
“We offered [Yabusele] the most we could that wouldn’t limit us and our ability to retain Quentin,” Morey explained. “That was above minimum. I’ve seen reports saying that wasn’t, but it was definitely below what he ended up getting. … That did impact what we could offer Guerschon.”
Grimes, who averaged 21.9 points in 28 games after being acquired by Philadelphia in February, is one of several restricted free agents, including Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors and Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls, whose contract situations remain unresolved.
During his media availability, Morey also provided updates on player health and roster development. He expressed optimism about the 2025-26 season outlook for stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, stressing their importance to the team’s success. Embiid, who played only 19 games last season due to a knee issue, is anticipated to be ready for the start of the season.
“I don’t think we can do it without that,” Morey said of having his top players healthy. “I do think we’re very dependent on all those guys, including Joel.”
Meanwhile, rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall draft pick, has been sidelined with a thumb injury since a dazzling 28-point, 10-rebound summer league debut. While hopeful Edgecombe might return in Las Vegas, Morey urged patience.
“Expectations are super high on VJ, as they should be,” Morey said. “[I’m] trying to temper them a little bit and give him a little space to maybe have some bumps in the road this year.”
Morey also confirmed that guard Jared McCain, who tore his meniscus in December, is on track to be ready for training camp.
To bolster frontcourt depth, the 76ers drafted Johni Broome in the second round, signed Trendon Watford, and added Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow on two-way contracts. Veterans Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon were also re-signed on minimum deals, with Morey highlighting Lowry’s role as a “mentor and coach on the floor.”
Despite a disappointing 2024-25 season, Morey believes the Eastern Conference is “open,” especially following major injuries to stars on other contending teams.
“We’re going to have to prove that we’re sort of with those upper echelon teams in the East,” he said. “But we do feel like, if all things come together, we can be right there. And we’ve also given ourselves a lot of flexibility to upgrade the team during the year.”
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