The Philadelphia 76ers’ decision to trade Jared McCain wasn’t just about clearing salary-it was a calculated move to create flexibility, add draft capital, and open the door for another potential roster shake-up. But in doing so, they’ve backed themselves into a corner when it comes to Quentin Grimes.
Right now, Grimes is the lone true backup guard on the Sixers' roster. And while that might sound like an opportunity for him to carve out a bigger role, the reality hasn’t been quite so promising.
The 25-year-old has struggled to find his rhythm offensively, with his shooting touch going cold since December. Efficiency has been elusive, and night after night, the numbers have reflected it.
Still, head coach Nick Nurse hasn’t had much of a choice. With such thin depth behind the starting guards, Grimes has continued to log significant minutes-not necessarily because he’s earned them with his play, but because there’s simply no one else to turn to. And that’s where things get tricky for Philly.
Despite the underwhelming production, the Sixers may be leaning toward keeping Grimes beyond this season. His upcoming free agency doesn’t carry the same buzz it might’ve earlier in the year, and that could work in Philly’s favor. Thanks to his Bird rights, the Sixers can exceed the cap to bring him back, and with limited alternatives available on the open market or internally, the front office may view retaining Grimes as the path of least resistance.
That doesn’t mean it’ll be a bargain. Grimes is still expected to command a deal in the $12-16 million range-standard money for a rotational piece in today’s NBA.
But his recent play hasn’t exactly made him a must-keep. He’s clearly still adjusting to a reduced role, and the transition hasn’t been smooth.
The confidence that once marked his perimeter game has waned, and the inefficiency has become hard to ignore.
Yet, in a system like Nurse’s-where tenure and familiarity often dictate playing time-Grimes’ minutes are likely to remain steady. It’s less about performance and more about necessity at this point. Until the Sixers make a move to bolster their backcourt depth, Grimes will continue to be a fixture in the rotation, even if his impact doesn’t always show up in the box score.
The Sixers are navigating a tricky balance between short-term needs and long-term planning. Trading McCain gave them financial breathing room and future assets, but it also left them with fewer immediate options. And unless something changes soon, Quentin Grimes’ presence on this roster feels less like a strategic choice and more like a situation they’re stuck with-for now.