Young 76ers guard could become valuable trade chip

Young 76ers guard could become valuable trade chip originally appeared on The Sporting News

Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers have been marred in a bit of a contract dispute this offseason. But when the dust finally settles, it’s possible that Grimes could still be on the move. 

Grimes found his way with the 76ers last season after struggling to find consistent playing time with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks. In 28 games with the 76ers last season, he averaged 21.9 points per game and knocked down 37 percent of his three-pointers. 

Now, Matty Breisch of Clutch Points has named Grimes as a “way-too-early” trade candidate.

“When the 76ers sign Grimes to his new contract, be that a multi-year deal that’s in the eight-figure range, or the qualifying offer that’s just a bit over $8 million, he will instantly become the 76ers’ biggest trade chip,” Breisch wrote. “Had the draft fallen another way, Grimes could theoretically be the 76ers’ two guard for the rest of the decade. But since he and Edgecombe play a similar game, and Jared McCain is expected to play plenty for Philadelphia this fall, there’s a chance the former Maverick will go from the 76ers’ biggest free agent to their biggest trade chip, and could fetch a legit power forward who can shoot, defend and be a playmaker like a young Nicolas Batum.”

It would be a tough pill to swallow for the 76ers if Grimes was sent elsewhere after finally realizing his potential in Philadelphia, but if it comes at the long-term benefit of the team, it may be the right decision.