The Los Angeles Lakers have made a handful of signings in this year’s free agency, with Deandre Ayton’s addition being the most significant one. While impressive, the need to cultivate roster strength remains a priority, and an interest in acquiring Quentin Grimes via trade with the Philadelphia 76ers may be under consideration.
Grimes has been viewed as one of the more talented young players in this year’s free-agency class. After a series of impressive outings with the 76ers, Grimes was expected to receive a meaningful qualifying offer from Philadelphia. As things stand, there has been some silence on this front.
A recent report by The Athletic’s Kelly Iko suggested that the 76ers have made no effort to communicate on an extension with the restricted free-agent guard. He added that discussions were expected to take place in the coming days.
This situation could be perceived as quite favorable for the Lakers, who would do well to acquire Grimes. Lakers head coach JJ Redick has also viewed the guard favorably, saying he was “easy to coach” after the two worked out together during the summer of 2023.
Needless to say, certain immediate challenges would need to be addressed, primarily associated with discerning the value of Grimes’ contract in a trade. But in a sign-and-trade situation where the guard signs a three-year deal worth approximately $60 million, the Lakers could propose a trade that could benefit both teams.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Quentin Grimes
Philadelphia 76ers: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
The Lakers Add Backcourt Depth
This trade would be immensely favorable for the Purple and Gold. The addition of Quentin Grimes would not only bolster their overall roster depth but would also give them a much-needed scoring option off the bench.
Grimes has shown a lot of potential as an offensive player, both as a starter and as a bench player. The 25-year-old had two vastly different stretches of play last season.
During his time with the Dallas Mavericks, Grimes looked ordinary off the bench, averaging only 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. After being traded to the 76ers and starting for the team, the guard saw a huge improvement in his performance, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
The significant uptick in output could be attributed to the subsequent increase in playing time. In a different system under different circumstances, Grimes displayed the potential to be a reliable scoring option and offensive threat. These traits could be of value to the Lakers, who will need productivity off the bench next season.
The only concern with Grimes in this role is that his playing style and position clash with Lakers’ star Austin Reaves, potentially presenting Grimes as a replacement for Reaves as well.
While the competition for the starting role could aid the growth of both players, the imminent reduction in playing time for either could also hinder the development of both players.
The 76ers Acquire A Blend Of Talent
This deal is also beneficial for the Philadelphia 76ers, but not necessarily in the same way it is for the Lakers. With this trade, Philadelphia acquires two capable players, Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht, along with a first-round draft pick.
The addition of Knecht could be considered significant, not as a replacement for Grimes, but as a means of building their bench depth. The 76ers possess a lot of capable guards on their roster, with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain leading the way. While this is positive, there exists a need for a player who can play the role of a shooter and simply execute on offense. Knecht fulfills this need.
At 9.1 points per game on 37.6% shooting from the field, Knecht leaves more to be desired. But given that he just completed his rookie season, the 76ers could benefit from cultivating his shooting abilities to expand their offensive range.
Hachimura’s addition would be significant in every way for the team. As an experienced veteran with a flexible offensive skillset, the forward offers valuable versatility.
Last season, he averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. While his rebounding figures are less impressive, Hachimura remains a very capable offensive threat, especially from the perimeter, having shot 41.3% from three-point range last season.
With Guerschon Yabusele headed to New York, Philadelphia needs a solid replacement in the frontcourt. When additionally factoring in that Hachimura is on an expiring contract, the 76ers would gain a lot of value from this acquisition.
The Lakers’ Roster Needs Improvement
The Lakers have made some efforts toward developing their roster strength. The re-signing of Jaxson Hayes has filled out their depth in the big-man rotation. Meanwhile, Adou Thiero’s contract signing also gives the Purple and Gold some depth on the wings.
While these are certainly efforts in the right direction, the Lakers are far from being considered contenders. When considering what is at stake this offseason, with LeBron James potentially requesting a trade, the team may need to ramp up its efforts to improve.
