Quentin Grimes entered this season hoping to strengthen the breakout reputation he built during the closing stretch of 2024/25, especially after a drawn-out restricted free agency process ended with him accepting his qualifying offer.
Instead, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com notes that Grimes ultimately looked more like a reliable supporting piece than a player capable of becoming one of Philadelphia’s foundational building blocks.
That leaves the Sixers facing an important offseason choice involving Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. While retaining both players remains possible financially, Aaronson expects the front office to lean toward keeping only one.
Oubre brings experience, familiarity with his role, and likely a cheaper contract, while Grimes offers youth, floor spacing and long-term upside as a shooter.
Philadelphia’s ability to exceed the salary cap using Grimes’ Bird rights gives the organization additional flexibility, which could make retaining him easier after addressing other roster concerns.
Still, uncertainty remains about how interested Grimes would be in staying after negotiations last summer dragged on without producing a multi-year deal.
His long-term fit is also somewhat unclear given the presence of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe in the backcourt rotation, limiting his pathway toward a significantly larger role.
Aaronson adds, however, that the exit of Daryl Morey could potentially ease some of the tension left behind from last offseason’s contract saga.
The Sixers are hoping to find a new president of basketball operations before draft night, plus more from Philadelphia. https://t.co/GMu3zgUxHM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 25, 2026