The Philadelphia 76ers are exploring options to free up salary cap space, and that could mean Andre Drummond and/or Kelly Oubre Jr. hitting the trade block. The goal? To make room for restricted free agent Quentin Grimes.
Drummond and Oubre Could Be on the Move
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, there’s been talk all summer about the Sixers potentially moving one—or even both—of their veterans.
“There has been buzz all summer long about the Sixers looking to potentially move one of, if not both, Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre,” Fischer said.
Drummond is set to make $5 million next season in the final year of his contract, while Oubre Jr. will earn $8.4 million. Trading one or both would give Philadelphia some extra flexibility to offer Grimes a bigger contract.
“If they are able to find a deal for one of those two guys as we get closer to camp, that would open up some more wiggle room for Philadelphia to be able to pay Grimes a little bit more,” Fischer added.
Quentin Grimes: Restricted Free Agent
Grimes has two options as a restricted free agent:
- Sign the contract the Sixers have offered.
- Play next season on a one-year qualifying offer and then enter unrestricted free agency next offseason.
The 25-year-old guard made an immediate impact after being acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in February. In 28 games with Philadelphia, he averaged:
- 21.9 points
- 5.2 rebounds
- 4.5 assists
- 1.5 steals
- 0.4 blocks
He shot 46.9% from the field, 37.3% from three, and 75.2% from the free-throw line, proving he’s a versatile scorer who can contribute in multiple ways.
Grimes has until October 1 to sign his qualifying offer for $8.7 million.
76ers’ Struggles Highlight the Stake
Philadelphia finished 24-58 in 2024-25, despite having stars Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. The three All-Stars only played 15 games together, going 7-8, underscoring the need for a more consistent roster.
Since joining the Sixers, Grimes has become a key piece. Over his career with the Knicks, Pistons, Mavericks, and Sixers, he averages 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game—a clear sign the Sixers see him as part of their long-term plans.
Looking Ahead
Philadelphia’s front office faces tough choices this offseason. Moving Drummond or Oubre could unlock the flexibility needed to keep Grimes while also building a roster that can maximize Joel Embiid’s prime years.
