Overview

• Grimes returns on a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer that gives him veto rights on any trade this season and sets up unrestricted free agency in 2026.
• The 76ers retain his Bird rights and are positioned to try to re-sign him next summer or pursue a sign-and-trade, according to ESPN reporting.
• Agent David Bauman said Philadelphia’s first formal offer arrived Sept. 24 at four years, $39 million, followed by a $8.8 million one-year proposal tied to waiving his no-trade protection; counters of one year at $17 million and two years at $34 million were rejected.
• Philadelphia’s approach was influenced by luxury-tax and apron considerations and the addition of No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe, with a limited leaguewide cap-space market muting outside offer sheets.
• Grimes is expected to play a major early role with Jared McCain out four to six weeks after thumb surgery, following his 21.9 points per game in 28 appearances for the Sixers last season.