If the Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Andrew Wiggins falls short, the franchise could pivot to an alternative trade idea centered on Quentin Grimes, a restricted free agent currently tied to the Philadelphia 76ers. While Wiggins remains the more proven veteran fit, Grimes offers a younger, cost-controlled option who could blossom into a future star alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Quentin Grimes (via Sign-And-Trade)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2031 Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick
For this deal to work, Grimes would need to agree to a three-year, $60 million deal, averaging $20 million annually. While that’s a significant commitment, it falls in line with the rising salary cap and the value of young two-way wings in today’s NBA.
The 76ers have not offered Grimes the big contract he seeks, which opens the door for a sign-and-trade. By doing this, Philadelphia avoids losing him for nothing while adding Jarred Vanderbilt, a versatile defender and rebounder along with Dalton Knecht, a promising rookie shooter, plus a valuable future first-round pick from the Lakers.
This Could Be Plan B For The Lakers
Grimes turned heads last season after arriving from the Mavericks, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. Those numbers may be inflated because Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George were sidelined for extended stretches, giving him more touches and offensive responsibility.
Still, his production shows what he can do when given the opportunity. Even if his raw scoring numbers dip in Los Angeles, Grimes’ skill set, perimeter shooting, secondary playmaking, and perimeter defense fit well alongside the Lakers’ core.
Wiggins has been at the top of the Lakers’ wish list because of his championship experience and defensive versatility. He’s a proven two-way wing who can guard multiple positions, score 15–18 points consistently, and thrive in a complementary role.
Grimes, on the other hand, represents more of a gamble. He isn’t as physically imposing as Wiggins, and his defensive reputation, while strong, is not yet cemented at the same level. Critics argue that his numbers from last season were circumstantial, the byproduct of a Sixers roster riddled with injuries.
But Grimes is only 25 years old and already considered an elite perimeter defender with sharp footwork, the ability to navigate screens, and quick hands to generate steals. Unlike Wiggins, who is firmly in his prime, Grimes still has room to grow. The Lakers could be betting on his ceiling rather than relying solely on his current resume.
Why This Deal Makes Sense For Philly?
For Philadelphia, the proposed Quentin Grimes sign-and-trade would net them Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick. Vanderbilt gives the Sixers a versatile defensive forward who can switch across multiple positions, rebound, and do the dirty work alongside Joel Embiid.
His contract is manageable, and his hustle-first game fits well on a roster that already has offensive stars.
The bigger prize might be Dalton Knecht, the rookie sharpshooter who averaged nearly 22 points at Tennessee and shot almost 40% from three. He’s on a cheap rookie deal and could step right into Nick Nurse’s system as a floor-spacing wing around Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George.
Add in the 2031 first-rounder a pick that could carry significant value if the Lakers are rebuilding by then, and Philly gets a mix of youth, depth, and long-term assets.
This deal also helps the Sixers avoid paying Grimes the $20 million annually he’s seeking, which could clog their cap sheet. Instead, they cash out while his value is high, betting that his 21.9 points per game in Philly last season were inflated by injuries to the team’s stars. By pivoting to Knecht, Vanderbilt, and a future first, the Sixers maintain immediate contributors while adding flexibility for the future.
This Deal Can Be A Risk For The Lakers, But Also Can Be Highly Rewarding
The risk for the Lakers is clear: giving up a promising rookie in Knecht and a distant first-round pick for a player who might not live up to his inflated production. Unlike Wiggins, who is a safer bet, Grimes is still in the “potential star” category.
The reward, however, could be significant. If Grimes grows into his scoring role while maintaining his defensive edge, the Lakers could lock in a long-term two-way wing at a reasonable cost before his value soars.
The Lakers will continue to pursue Andrew Wiggins aggressively because he’s the surer fit. But if those talks stall, Quentin Grimes offers an intriguing Plan B. He may not bring Wiggins’ pedigree, but his youth, upside, and defensive chops make him a worthy gamble for a franchise that needs athletic wings to surround its superstar trio.
In the end, it comes down to risk tolerance: Wiggins provides security, while Grimes represents a swing at upside. For a team balancing win-now urgency with long-term sustainability, the Lakers might not have the luxury of ignoring either path.
