Quentin Grimes Embraces Bigger Role Amid Paul George Suspension, Trade Deadline Looms
LOS ANGELES - With Paul George sidelined due to suspension, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a familiar but challenging spot: leaning on their depth to keep the engine running. And while the absence of a 9-time All-Star leaves a massive void on both ends of the floor, it also opens the door for players like Quentin Grimes to step into the spotlight.
Grimes, who joined the Sixers at last season’s trade deadline, is no stranger to midseason adjustments. After a lengthy offseason negotiation, he returned on a qualifying offer and now finds himself in a prime position to contribute - both out of necessity and opportunity.
“More opportunity for everybody out there,” Grimes said during shootaround Monday morning in Los Angeles. “Just going out there and being more aggressive and in attack mode whether that’s coming with shots, defense. PG was a really big piece for us… everybody just gotta kinda have a next man up mentality and try to fill those holes when he’s out.”
The Sixers will need that mentality to be more than just a mindset - it has to translate on the court. With George out, the team will rely on a mix of young talent and veteran presence. Jared McCain, Kelly Oubre Jr., Trendon Watford, and Grimes are all expected to shoulder more responsibility - not just in terms of minutes, but in impact.
For Grimes, this is a chance to reassert himself as a two-way contributor. Known for his defensive intensity and catch-and-shoot ability, he’s the kind of player who can thrive in a system that values ball movement and perimeter defense. And with George’s absence, those traits become even more valuable.
But the timing adds another layer of complexity. The NBA trade deadline is just days away, and Philadelphia - a team that’s been laser-focused on maintaining future cap flexibility - could make moves. Grimes, on a manageable $8.7 million deal, is the kind of player who could be involved in those conversations, especially if the front office sees a path to duck under the luxury tax line.
Still, Grimes isn’t letting the business side of the game shake his focus.
“Not really,” he said when asked if the looming deadline is on his mind. “Just going in taking it day by day, game by game, not worrying about that kind of stuff.”
That calm approach makes sense, especially considering his experience last year. When Grimes was traded to the Sixers from Dallas, it came shortly after the Mavericks dealt Luka Dončić - a chaotic period that caught plenty of players off guard. This time around, Grimes has a better sense of where he stands and what he can control.
“It’s a little bit different because nothing’s gonna happen unexpectedly on my terms and stuff like that,” Grimes said. “So, take it day by day and just not worry about stuff you can’t control, things like that.”
There’s also the matter of his no-trade clause - a rare wrinkle that comes with signing a qualifying offer. It gives Grimes some leverage, at least on paper, should the Sixers explore trade options involving his contract. But when asked if he’s considered waiving that clause under the right circumstances, Grimes didn’t hesitate.
“Nah, I haven’t really thought about that,” he said. “Just taking it game by game and focus on improving my game every day. I let people handle that, but nah, I haven’t even thought of that.”
For now, the Sixers are focused on navigating a tough five-game West Coast road trip, and every rotation player matters. With George out, the margin for error shrinks - and that’s where players like Grimes can make a difference.
He’s not just filling in; he’s auditioning for a bigger role, whether in Philadelphia or elsewhere. And with the trade deadline just around the corner, every possession, every defensive stop, every made three-pointer could carry extra weight.
The Sixers need answers. Grimes has a chance to be one of them.