NBA Rumors: The 2 players that the Sixers have put on the market to retain Quentin Grimes

The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a somewhat complicated situation as they seek to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. The team aims to retain Quentin Grimes, their restricted free agent, but they are facing a problem: they do not have enough salary cap space under the luxury tax to offer him the contract he demands.

According to sources close to the team, like journalist Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the 76ers are looking to free up salary cap space by trading some of their rotation players. The most prominent names on that list are Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr., who could be key pieces in a trade that would allow them to increase their financial flexibility to improve the offer to Grimes.

Grimes' Situation in Philadelphia

Grimes, who joined the 76ers at the trade deadline from the Dallas Mavericks, seized the opportunity presented to him by entering the team's starting lineup. In the 28 games he played with the Sixers (25 as a starter), he averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, earning himself an important role in a team that will have one of the most competitive perimeter positions this year.

Despite his impressive season, Grimes' contractual situation is not as favorable, as being a restricted free agent, he is not in the best position to demand a high salary. However, the player could choose to accept his qualifying offer of 8.7 million dollars, and if he wishes, test his luck in unrestricted free agency next season.

The 76ers' Rotation and the Oubre and Drummond Dilemma

The 76ers have a wealth of talent at their guard position, with players like Tyrese Maxey and the promising Jared McCain, entering his second season with the team. This creates a highly competitive atmosphere in the position, which could mean that Grimes will have to share minutes with other key players if he signs a new contract.

As for Oubre and Drummond, both players have expiring contracts and could be trade targets. Kelly Oubre, who has been a starter for the past two seasons in Philadelphia, has maintained a consistent performance, averaging 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. However, his 8.3 million dollar contract expires at the end of this season.

Meanwhile, Andre Drummond, who had a secondary role in his first season with the 76ers, averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in 19 minutes per game. Although his impact was not as significant as Oubre's, his defensive ability and experience could be valuable in a potential trade. Drummond is also on an expiring 5 million dollar contract.

What Options Do the 76ers Have?

The scenario is clear: the 76ers need to free up space to secure Quentin Grimes' continuity, who, with his outstanding last season, has shown he has much to offer the team. A trade involving Oubre or Drummond would be the most viable solution to create the necessary space, but it is also important that the team finds a deal that does not cost them too much in terms of talent, as the competition in the backcourt remains fierce.

The 76ers' financial situation is complicated, and the arrival of Grimes could depend on the team's ability to move some of these players so they can accommodate his salary within the team's salary structure. We will have to wait and see how these negotiations unfold as the preseason camp approaches.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los 2 jugadores que han puesto los Sixers en el mercado para retener a Quentin Grimes