The Philadelphia 76ers could be forced to decide between Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. this summer. If they pick the latter, the Portland Trail Blazers should aggressively pursue Grimes in free agency.
ESPN's Bobby Marks has Grimes ranked as the No. 11 unrestricted free agent. He projects a two-year, $30 million deal for Grimes, adding that potential suitors could be teams with the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception available (barring a sign-and-trade). Fortunately, the Blazers just so happen to be one of those teams.
Blazers should target Quentin Grimes in free agency
Grimes is 26, which fits perfectly with the timeline of Portland's building blocks, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. He's had a strange career trajectory, including an up-and-down two seasons in Philadelphia.
Grimes' production last season (21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 28 games with the Sixers) made a compelling case to start this season. Yet he was a much better player in his role coming off the bench.
In general, he took a step back this season, finishing with 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He also struggled in the postseason, dealing with inconsistent play in the first-round series against the Celtics and largely disappearing in the Semifinals exit at the hands of the Knicks.
Portland could buy-low on Quentin Grimes
However, this is actually great news for a team like Portland. Had he maintained his play from last season or stepped up in the playoffs, the 76ers would have had a much easier decision in keeping Grimes over Oubre. And even if they did still part ways with Grimes, he'd likely be out of Portland's price range at that point.
Grimes could potentially be one of the best shooting guard options in the free agency class this summer. Portland needs to address its uncertain backcourt and its lack of reliable shooting as a whole. Grimes, a 36.6 percent three-point shooter for his career, is the type of marksman and shot creator this team desperately needs.
If the Blazers can get him for the $15 million non-tax midlevel exception, it should be considered a steal. Not only is he a great fit for the Blazers' roster needs and timeline, but it's also a rare buy-low opportunity. Grimes' progression has been nonlinear, but overall, he's still trending upward as he enters the prime of his career. That makes him a candidate for a bounce-back season, and hopefully, that happens in Portland.
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