The Philadelphia 76ers and Quentin Grimes have finally agreed on a contract offer, although it is only for a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer. That is very surprising considering Grimes had a strong campaign last season, posting 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on 38.5% shooting from three in 75 appearances. Without question, Grimes is a starting-caliber wing.
While both the Sixers and Grimes could still find common ground after next season, the possibility of stalled negotiations after the 2025-26 season opens the door for an intriguing trade scenario. If talks continue to break down during the season about the player’s future, the Los Angeles Lakers could swoop in with a competitive offer, headlined by Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a future first-round pick. Of course, the Lakers are always hovering around talented players, and this case would be no exception.
Such a move would not only provide the Sixers with depth and assets but also give the Lakers a young, two-way guard to bolster their championship pursuit. Let’s break down why this potential deal makes sense for Grimes, how it fits the Lakers’ roster, and why the Sixers could ultimately benefit from pulling the trigger on this trade idea.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Add Another Talented Offensive Player
The Los Angeles Lakers already boast an offensive trio of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, but adding Quentin Grimes would take their firepower to another level. Grimes, at just 25 years old, brings shooting versatility, quick decision-making, and the ability to create his own offense when needed.
With defenses already struggling to contain Doncic and James, adding another reliable scorer on the wing would force opponents to pick their poison every possession. Losing Rui Hachimura is no small sacrifice since his size, mid-range touch, and versatility have been valuable in playoff settings. But Grimes is a superior long-term talent with upside that stretches beyond what Rui offers.
His ability to catch fire from deep and spread the floor makes him a more natural fit alongside Doncic and LeBron, while his athleticism gives the Lakers a younger piece who can grow into a bigger role as the roster evolves. What makes this move especially appealing for Los Angeles is the timeline fit.
LeBron is nearly 41 and nearing the end of his career, while Grimes is entering his prime years. Acquiring him gives the Lakers another offensive weapon who can carry more responsibility once LeBron eventually retires. With Doncic locked in as the franchise cornerstone, pairing him with a player like Grimes ensures the Lakers remain a nightmare to defend both now and in the post-LeBron era.
Philadelphia 76ers End The Drama And Start Rebuilding
For the Philadelphia 76ers, this trade would be more about stability. Over the past few seasons, the Sixers have faced nonstop drama, whether it’s star injuries, uncertain futures, or contract disputes. By moving on from Grimes in a trade during the season, they avoid the risk of a prolonged standoff next summer and bring in two players who can immediately contribute without distractions.
Jarred Vanderbilt, in particular, fits Philadelphia’s DNA as a defensive-minded forward with untapped potential. He doesn’t need touches to make an impact, and his versatility on defense could ease some of the load on Joel Embiid and Paul George. Combined with Rui Hachimura’s offensive polish and steady production, the Sixers would gain two rotation-ready forwards who won’t disrupt chemistry.
The inclusion of a future first-round pick sweetens the deal, giving Philadelphia a valuable asset for flexibility in future trades or rebuilding efforts. With Embiid and George as the focal points (assuming they can stay healthy), there are no guarantees on how long this current window stays open. The pick, along with reliable depth, provides the Sixers a hedge for the future in this case.
A Fair Package That Puts Grimes In An Interesting Position
For Quentin Grimes himself, landing in Los Angeles could be a career-changing opportunity. Playing alongside Doncic and LeBron would not only elevate his visibility but also give him the perfect environment to refine his game. The Lakers’ big-market atmosphere, championship culture, and luxury expectations would embrace his hard-nosed play style and shooting touch.
No doubt, this is the stage where good players can become stars overnight. More importantly, Grimes would have the chance to grow into a long-term role. With LeBron nearing the end of his career, Grimes could emerge as a future running mate for Doncic, forming a dynamic pairing that balances scoring, defense, and energy.
At 25, he’s still early in his career and has time to develop into a consistent All-Star-level contributor. The Lakers have a track record of helping young players elevate their games when they’re committed, and Grimes appears ready for that challenge. Much like Luka has transformed his game by working on conditioning, Grimes could follow a similar path to becoming more than just a 3-and-D wing.
The Lakers can make or break players, but seeing how Grimes has improved his game and confidence, we see the former happening to the youngster. With this deal in place, perhaps the player should try to force a move himself.
