Daryl Morey addresses Quentin Grimes’ restricted free company, Joel Embiid’s well being outlook and extra
LAS VEGAS — Quentin Grimes and the 76ers stay at a restricted free company stalemate. And, as of Friday morning, Daryl Morey didn’t have perception on a possible timeline for decision.
“We’ve had discussions — and discussions just lately — with [Grimes’] illustration,” the Sixers’ president of basketball operations stated Friday morning. “I don’t have far more element. … We wish to retain Quentin. We hope to work that out together with his illustration, and our focus [is] on ensuring that occurs.”
These feedback had been a part of Morey’s wide-ranging dialog with a small group of reporters on the Sixers’ group resort for his or her keep at NBA2K Summer season League. Different matters included No. 3 draft choose VJ Edgecombe, who dazzled in his summer time debut almost per week in the past however has not performed since due to a thumb harm. And the well being outlook for Joel Embiid and Paul George for the 2025-26 season, which Morey described as “optimistic.” And the lack of free-agent massive man Guerschon Yabusele, which Morey at the least partially attributed to the Grimes scenario.
» READ MORE: VJ Edgecombe’s harm absence sucks life out of Sixers’ Las Vegas summer time league opener
“We provided [Yabusele] essentially the most we may that wouldn’t restrict us and our skill to retain Quentin,” Morey stated. “That was above minimal. I’ve seen studies saying that wasn’t, however it was undoubtedly under what he ended up getting [from the New York Knicks].
“I believe individuals have stated, like, that created a problem for us, and it’s true. … That did impression what we may supply Guerschon.”
Yabusele, who signed a two-year, $12 million cope with a participant choice with the Knicks, was one of many uncommon positives throughout a dreadful 2024-25 season. Ditto for Grimes, who averaged 21.9 factors in 28 video games since being traded to the Sixers on the February deadline. And Grimes and the Sixers aren’t the one participant/group mixture in a restricted free company holding sample. Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors, together with Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls, are amongst these in an identical scenario, reflecting the broader market following the preliminary offseason flurry.
Listed below are 4 different takeaways from Morey’s availability:
Welcome, VJ
Morey subscribes to the idea that it’s troublesome for a rookie to contribute on a high-caliber NBA group. Even a participant corresponding to Edgecombe, who seemed explosive and clean whereas amassing 28 factors and 10 rebounds towards the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake Metropolis final weekend.
“Expectations are tremendous excessive on VJ, as they need to be,” Morey stated. “We’re very enthusiastic about him … [I’m] attempting to mood them a little bit bit with VJ and provides him a little bit house to perhaps have some bumps within the street this 12 months.”
Morey was hopeful-yet-uncertain if Edgecombe will return from harm earlier than the tip of the Sixers’ keep in Las Vegas. He was noticed doing further capturing work with assistant coach Rico Hines following Friday’s apply in Las Vegas. The Sixers subsequent play Saturday towards the Charlotte Hornets, earlier than video games Tuesday and Wednesday towards the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks, respectively.
“VJ is essentially the most irritated by this,” Morey stated. “He actually needs to be on the market, and our medical workers is attempting to be good about it.”
Nonetheless, Edgecombe becoming a member of this roster — and the quick flash of potential — prompted questions on how the Sixers may distribute the minutes between their 4 younger guards, assuming Grimes does return alongside Edgecombe, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain.
“Coach [Nick] Nurse must use creativity to determine how one can greatest make the most of them,” Morey stated.
Embiid’s outlook
When requested about Embiid’s readiness for the beginning of the 2025-26 season, Morey stated “that may be my greatest anticipation at this level, yeah.”
It was a worthwhile query, contemplating Embiid unexpectedly missed the beginning of final season — after which solely performed 19 video games — due to an ongoing knee subject. The manager additionally reiterated that, with a purpose to be a real contender, Embiid, Maxey, and George must be on the ground collectively excess of they had been final season.
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“I don’t suppose we are able to do it with out that,” Morey stated. “I want to say that, however I don’t see it. So, yeah, I do suppose we’re very depending on all these guys, together with Joel.”
Morey added that McCain — who was an early Rookie of the 12 months front-runner earlier than tearing his meniscus in December — is also “on monitor” to be prepared for the beginning of coaching camp. He just lately met with the physician who carried out the surgical procedure, Morey stated, and has been with the Sixers in Las Vegas.
Across the margins
Although resolving the Grimes scenario stays the Sixers’ lingering offseason precedence, they’ve just lately executed around-the-margins strikes so as to add frontcourt depth. They drafted Johni Broome within the second spherical, signed Trendon Watford, and added Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow on two-way offers.
“With the ability to go [to] Jabari and Dominick, and say ‘Hey, we actually suppose you’ll have a task, regardless that it’s a two-way’,” Morey stated, “I believe that’s an edge, and we had been thrilled they selected to affix us.”
Morey additionally views Watford as a participant who can guard a number of positions, deal with passes, and “put the protection in jeopardy and make a play” as an offense-initiator.
Two gamers who don’t precisely match the general aim to get youthful and extra athletic? Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon each returned on veteran minimal contracts.
“We do see [Lowry] as an necessary mentor and coach on the ground,” Morey stated. “And I’ve not written off that he may give us high quality minutes throughout the season. … We even have a variety of youth throughout the roster, and having a champion like Kyle, I believe, is a optimistic factor.”
Large-open East?
Morey declaring that the Sixers nonetheless have championship aspirations would possibly seem far-fetched to outsiders following their woeful 2024-25 season. He additionally could not have a lot alternative however to be optimistic in regards to the future well being of Embiid and George, contemplating they’re each 30-somethings locked into max contracts.
» READ MORE: Because the NBA buzzes about VJ Edgecombe, scouts weigh in on his potential: ‘He’s going to be good. He goes exhausting.’
But Morey does agree that the Jap Convention is “open,” after All-NBA gamers Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton tore Achilles tendons throughout the playoffs. Morey did, nevertheless, additionally wish to give respect to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who completed atop the convention’s regular-season standings, and Knicks, who superior to the convention finals for the primary time in 25 years.
“We’re going to must show that we’re kind of with these higher echelon groups within the East,” Morey stated. “However we do really feel like, if all issues come collectively, we may be proper there. And we’ve additionally given ourselves a variety of flexibility to improve the group throughout the 12 months, if issues are going in addition to we hope.”