Time is running out for Jonathan Kuminga as he decides whether to accept his one-year qualifying offer, set to expire October 1. The alternative is a longer-term contract, with the most recent and largest offer being a three-year, $75.2 million deal. While accepting provides guaranteed short-term security, rejecting it opens the door to bigger, yet uncertain opportunities. Kuminga isn’t alone in this dilemma. Quentin Grimes, coming off a breakout season with the injury-hit Philadelphia 76ers, faces a similar crossroads, though under slightly different circumstances.

According to The Athletic, Grimes initially sought a $25 million per-season contract after proving himself as a capable starting guard. Last year, Quentin Grimes found his opportunity in Philadelphia largely due to injuries to Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, stepping in as the team’s primary option.

But now, the Sixers’ options are crowded. For the upcoming season, both Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain are fully healthy, while VJ Edgecombe is also vying for a spot in the rotation, limiting the team’s flexibility and complicating Grimes’ path to a max-level deal. That chance to lead a franchise is what has propelled him into this pivotal moment.

Grimes averaged 21.9 points, besides having 46.9% FG, demonstrating impressive scoring ability and strong ball-handling skills. The only barrier standing between him and a contract that reflects his performance is the constraints of his qualifying offer, leaving his next move hanging in the balance. Logically, Grimes isn’t going to get the opportunities to be a $25 million player for the Philadelphia 76ers. Hence, any extension won’t be remotely close to his asking figures, but there’s a hope.

The 76ers also can’t overlook the value of a player like Quentin Grimes, who can seamlessly step in when a starter is sidelined. Such depth isn’t commonly required, but the Sixers’ situation hasn’t been ideal. Over the past two seasons, Joel Embiid has played just 58 regular-season games, while Paul George and Tyrese Maxey have dealt with extended injuries and require careful load management. In this context, Grimes becomes a crucial piece.

Although navigating his contract has been challenging, the delay in a decision may indicate the Sixers are exploring ways to retain him for the season. But will they commit to him with an extension?

Value awaits the Philadelphia 76ers with Quentin Grimes

From his curtailed burst last season, several teams would be more than willing to get Quentin Grimes. But not many teams have that sort of cap space at this time of the season? Most teams would prefer their targets to sign a qualifying offer with hopes of signing them without any hassle at the time they have money.

So the decision that rests on the Philadelphia 76ers is, can they get value from Grimes? The former Mavericks guard can sign a team-friendly contract, which could benefit the Sixers. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, “The Sixers may limit Grimes’ starting salary to $12.5 million, with an eye on the luxury tax. Perhaps he’s willing to take that figure on a short-term deal (two or three years); if not, perhaps he will accept his $8.7 million qualifying offer.” The Sixers could have him as a coveted trade asset if they get Quentin Grimes on such a contract.

But with just 2 days left for the Sixers’ camp to start, getting such a deal in such a short period is unlikely. It would hurt the 76ers’ synergy with Grimes. They start training camp early since they play preseason games in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, there’s a deadline till October 1, when Grimes can sign his qualifying offer.

So the question arises, what will happen here? If the Philadelphia 76ers are willing to risk not carrying Quentin Grimes to Abu Dhabi, they can still try to negotiate a team-friendly deal. A deal such as Pincus’ suggestion would be a great increase for Grimes, and is standard for a player with his role on the team.

But they only have 10 days to get that done. Unless that happens, Grimes will go for the $8.7 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. The 25-year-old will draw tempting offers if he continues to show such promise. If that does happen, it’s the Sixers who will lose out on a great player in exchange for nothing. Their priority needs to be to get a moderate-term deal done before they run out of time.