Earlier in the offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers were positioned to have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA following their strong summer moves. However, due to recent controversy involving their superstar, Kawhi Leonard, the future seems uncertain for the team.
To contend for the title, the Clippers could look to bolster their roster by making some crucial additions. Among the potential trade targets, Los Angeles could consider Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes.
Grimes has had a difficult offseason due to his restricted free agent status. While it seemed likely that the 76ers would be bringing him back for the 2025-26 season, recent updates indicate that the two parties are far from reaching an agreement.
Realistically, the 25-year-old guard could accept the qualifying offer with the team. However, such a situation also presents the opportunity for a trade, which could be in the best interests of the 76ers as well as the guard.
Last season, Grimes showed tremendous offensive potential when he took on a larger role with Philadelphia. Keeping the Clippers’ need for a scoring punch in mind, we explore two potential trade scenarios that would allow the franchise to acquire Grimes.
The Direct Trade Scenario
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Derrick Jones Jr., Cam Christie, 2026 second-round pick (MEM), 2026 second-round pick swap (BKN)
This trade proposal involves a direct trade between the Clippers and the 76ers. Most restricted free agents were hoping to earn approximately $30 annually in their new contracts. Although Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey came close, even he received a contract shy of such an amount.
Given his history as a role player and limited exposure to the spotlight, Grimes is unlikely to command a similar extension. In this regard, a three-year deal worth roughly $54 million seems more appropriate.
With this in mind, acquiring the 25-year-old may require the Clippers to part ways with some key draft assets, along with a solid role player in Derrick Jones Jr., but the outcome of this trade could be considered positive.
During his brief stint with Philadelphia last season, Grimes emerged as a solid scoring option in the team’s starting rotation. In 28 appearances, featuring 25 starts, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range.
Although the sample size could be considered small, the guard displayed efficiency and consistency when playing in a more significant role. While such a performance should typically solidify his position as a starter, this may not be the case in Los Angeles.
Due to the presence of veterans such as Bradley Beal and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the 25-year-old may find himself relegated to a bench role, awaiting an opportunity to establish himself.
Regardless, his ability to create scoring opportunities and three-level scoring makes him a viable addition to a squad with title aspirations.
The Three-Team Trade Scenario
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Quentin Grimes, Keon Johnson, 2026 second-round pick (ATL)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Kris Dunn, 2026 second-round pick (MEM), 2026 second-round pick swap (BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Los Angeles is hard-capped at the first apron heading into the regular season. Due to Grimes’ incoming cap impact, the Clippers could consider a three-team trade scenario to facilitate the move more effectively.
This trade scenario allows the Clippers to shed $2.8 million in salary while acquiring two player assets along with a replacement for their outgoing second-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Parting with Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic could be difficult. But L.A. may still see merit in this deal, considering what they receive in return.
Grimes would effectively replace Bogdanovic in the rotation. When factoring in Grimes’ skill set and his developmental potential, he could be a significantly more valuable piece than the veteran guard at this stage in his career.
From perimeter shooting to shot-creation, the 25-year-old simply presents more overall upside.
Dunn was among the best point-of-attack defenders in the league last season. While replacing him will be a challenge, the arrival of Keon Johnson could be worthwhile.
At 6’5″, Johnson boasts tremendous physical tools, athleticism, and defensive upside. With the potential to be a tenacious on-ball defender, the Clippers could groom him to play a similar role to Dunn’s, only with greater switchability due to his size and strength.
Last season, the forward averaged 10.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game on 38.9% shooting from the field. While his efficacy as an offensive player is limited, he could carve out a role for himself as a defensive specialist in the rotation.
Which Scenario Benefits The Clippers More?
When considering the impact of a trade on the roster, both trade scenarios would require L.A. to part ways with key rotation pieces. Given the potential returns, however, the Clippers may benefit more from engaging in the three-team trade more.
Along with the reduced impact on the salary cap, the Clippers would effectively be acquiring younger versions of two key role players. While Johnson may be a development project, Grimes could be considered an upgrade on Bogdanovic.
The guard’s performance will be predicated on the opportunities he receives. Should he receive enough playing time with the second unit, there is enough evidence to suggest that he could be impactful off the bench.
