The Sixers made moves at the deadline to get younger and more athletic, bringing in Quentin Grimes and Jared Butler before signing Lonnie Walker IV. Having lost Joel Embiid for the season, Philadelphia hasn’t become a better team as a result of its pivot to youth, but it has shown a vision for the younger players to become members of the rotation next season.
As Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes, Grimes in particular has been a standout addition. He’s shown to be capable in either a starting or reserve role and is averaging 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 52.4% shooting from the floor in his 11 games (eight starts) with Philadelphia. He’s scored at least 30 points three times, including 44 in a win over the red-hot Warriors last weekend.
Grimes will be a restricted free agent this summer, giving the Sixers the right to match any outside offers.
As for Butler, the Sixers were excited to acquire the former two-way guard from Washington, promoting him to a standard deal quickly upon his arrival. According to Pompey, the Sixers were interested in Butler during the 2021 draft and wanted to get a closer look at him, giving up a first-round pick in the process (and getting four seconds in return).
Pompey writes Butler has shown flashes but that Jeff Dowtin, currently on a two-way deal, has taken his spot in the rotation. Butler has a team option worth $2.35MM for next season that the Sixers will decide on this summer.
Walker has also gotten a chance to play a rotation role, averaging 16.7 minutes in his first six games. Pompey writes that Walker is still getting adjusted back to the NBA after playing overseas for the first half of the season. Like Butler, Walker has a team option for next season.
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- The Nets have an open roster spot after not immediately extending Killian Hayes another 10-day contract. Net Income of NetsDaily notes that Brooklyn has a cushion of $1.08MM under the luxury tax, but Cameron Johnson is likely to hit an incentive that will cut that number in half. Still, there’s value in signing a player into that approximately half-million in anticipated space. Since rest-of-season salaries are prorated, the Nets won’t have a problem adding someone on a minimum deal. Tosan Evbuomwan is one candidate for a standard deal, since he’s been a part of the rotation, but Net Income notes that Evbuomwan’s two-way deal covers two years, so there’s no real rush to promote him. The Nets could circle back to Hayes later on or sign another player from a G League team.
- Nets second-year big Noah Clowney hasn’t played since Jan. 27, but it sounds as though he’s inching toward a return. According to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis (Twitter link), Clowney had his first five-on-five scrimmage on Thursday. Clowney is averaging 9.4 points and 3.9 rebounds this season.
- The Knicks are 0-7 this season against the top three teams in the league: the Thunder, Celtics and Cavaliers. On paper, New York has a contending roster, filled with versatile defenders on the wings and stars in Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. So what’s causing the slide against the league’s best? According to ESPN’s Chris Herring, simple factors are at play. For one, while the Knicks’ offense ranks fourth in rating, they rank 28th in three-point attempt rate. “At the root of it all, it’s math,” an Eastern Conference scout said, per Herring. “They’re really efficient, and will win a ton of games. But the [three-point] volume isn’t enough to beat the Clevelands and the Bostons. Especially when you also factor in that the Knicks are [offensive] rebounding and getting to the line a lot less than last year’s team did.” Additionally, the Knicks’ defense ranks 19th in the league.
The Grimes trade was a gift.
Wonder if Nico will bring Christmas in July.
Paul George and picks for AD. Not giving up a top 6 pick, but I would include McCain if needed.
Embiid might end up medically retiring.
Maxey and AD would be a good combo. And then with PG off their books they would have cap space to sign a Max Player. Not that any 2026 FAs that will be available are worth it. But they could round out the team very well.
I’d be careful signing Grimes to a long-term extension. Feels like a contract a team might regret.
I don’t think they would offer much more above the MLE level that other teams could offer.
Yeah, I wouldn’t give him too long of a contract. He’s shown a lot of flashes before. Maybe not to this extent, but he needs to prove himself a lot more than he has before I’d give him a ton of money
Nico is crazy but not that crazy. No way he’s making that deal. So essentially trade Luka for PG, picks and a macain?
Philly would have to give up picks just to get rid of PG, he’s not bringing back anything of value.
Kyrie is going to be out into next year, and has a 43M option. AD has played one game. If they turn AD into Paul George (a name) McCain and 4-5 FRPs, it saves some face. That “window” Nico talked about is closed without Kyrie.
Oubre is so bad. Can’t shoot, dribbles into traffic way too much. On defense he looks like he is watching and looking around like he is bird watching in a park. That dude is borderline unplayable
Once he gets that handle tight …. watch out
Wise words. Grimes is being more aggressive. He can do that on this team. It’s working for him. Always had that shot. Keep improving that handle. Grimes is a solid 2way player. He’s excellent as the third guard. He should get offers. Good for him.
Knicks have swept the Grizz and blown out Nuggets. This without a bench. Still missing Warren for more scoring. A full Knicks team is a better team. Getting to Finals is only thing that matters. Going thru two best teams in NBA. Oh Well. It is what it is. Not even thinking about Finals.
Only Marty does that every yr ………
The knicks ImO have one more offseason to contend. They aren’t ready for the top east teams yet. Work on bridges in the offseason to become a scoring threat. That’s what they are missing.
Thing is, he’s been a scoring threat before. Between Brunson and Towns high usage though, and his inconsistent 3Point shooting this season, I’m not surprised by where he’s at now.
Working on his 3Point shot would certainly move him up the scoring ladder, but he’s a number 3 or 4 option on a good team.
Philly with Embiid and George is toast! Who else could they sign with Cap Space this summer but George.
If you watched Lakers game. You saw why Bridges is letting them down. He has to be a guy that can go for 20. Even if it means less D. Teams are taking Brunson out. Especially when closing. Someone is open. Yet Brunson is still trying to beat them. Even if its getting the ball back. Too one dimensional. Teams have figured out. You take out best closer in the game. And live with the results.
Too many times Bridges is nowhere to be found. Had 42 mins and 6 pts last night. Thibs has to make sure he gets opportunities. Just like Brunson does. Why is he on this team???? To play D ……. BS man
Time for Bridges to step up. And consistently bring the offense. That takes pressure off Brunson and team. He’s too accommodating, soft. Waited all year for his consistency. And Knicks are still waiting. Thibs and captain Brunson need to make sure he understands that. That’s how this team levels up. Time is now. Playoffs are almost here.