Grimes chose a one-year, $8.7M qualifying offer with a no-trade clause, betting on a richer payday next summer as the Sixers balance payroll and the luxury tax. Philadelphia’s first formal offer was around four years for $39M, far below Grimes’ target, and the backcourt puzzle—Maxey, McCain, Edgecombe—could be compelling but pricey given Embiid and Paul George over $50M each this season. Philly carries 14 players and sits over the tax line, shaping risk and upside for 2025.

Grimes’ breakout numbers from last season—21.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.5 APG—keep the backcourt option lively, yet the Sixers must manage long-term budget realities. His leverage hinges on market interest next summer, while the team weighs immediate competitiveness against financial sustainability as they navigate a potentially decade-long core around Maxey, Edgecombe and Grimes.

Year-two players anchor the 2025-26 fantasy landscape, led by Donovan Clingan's late-season move into Portland's starting lineup and strong rebounding/blocks. Edey, Sarr and Ware project sustained frontcourt value with varying health and role risk, while Missi and Castle offer versatile multi-category floors.

A deeper cohort—Buzelis, George, Sheppard, Bona, Filipowski, Wells, McCain, Carrington, Dunn, Risacher, Collier, da Silva, Holland and Mitchell—could swing fantasy leagues with minutes and fit should roster changes unlock roles.

Philadelphia is weighing a move to re-sign Quentin Grimes in restricted free agency, with Kelly Oubre Jr. as a central piece in any potential deal. The Sixers are short-handed due to Jared McCain’s injury, making efficient cap management and wing depth critical as they explore a path to Grimes’ acquisition.

Oubre, who averaged 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season, brings downhill scoring, off-ball movement and sturdy defense—a fit for Philadelphia’s needs if a deal with New York materializes. He addressed fan skepticism at media day, underscoring his commitment to the jersey and the city while the rumor mill swirls around Grimes and the cap implications.

With the injury hurdle in play, the Sixers must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term roster flexibility, using Grimes’ restricted status and Oubre’s contract as leverage to reshape the wing rotation and push toward a deeper postseason run.

Philadelphia nabbed V.J. Edgecombe with the No. 3 pick, betting on a 6-5 two-way wing who can contribute early as McCain heals. Edgecombe enters a veteran-heavy mix led by Embiid, George, Lowry, Gordon and Oubre, with Drummond praising his confidence.

His NBA learning curve will hinge on consistent defense, pace, and finishing in transition. If he earns minutes and can space the floor, Edgecombe could become a flexible plug-and-play piece in a playoff-caliber core.

League-wide notes touch on Randle’s Timberwolves trade talk, Lillard’s return timeline, Irving and Thompson’s tribute, and Durant’s Rockets moment, framing a season where edge-of-rotation bets carry real upside for fantasy managers.