The jokes of the Los Angeles Clippers being the Western Conference’s Philadelphia 76ers wouldn’t stop if Kawhi Leonard’s team picked up another member of the South Philly franchise this offseason.
But based on a list of teams that could potentially pry Quentin Grimes away from the Sixers, consider the Clippers a threat.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Top Free Agent Gets Linked To LA Clippers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 08: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on before the game against the New York Knicks in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Philly Voice’s Adam Aaronson suggests that Grimes has a good chance of being on the Clippers’ radar, depending on the direction they take with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
“If the Clippers do not end up drafting a guard, they will have a clear need for one – ideally a player capable of playing on and off the ball,” Aaronson wrote.
“Grimes is not a perfect player, but he does generally fit that bill. Los Angeles would be armed with the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception, and could give the majority of that money to Grimes while potentially saving enough to squeeze in one additional signing.”
Should The Sixers Fear The LA Clippers?
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: A view of the LA Clippers logo is seen at center court before a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the LA Clippers at Intuit Dome on October 26, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Smart money would probably get placed on the Clippers taking a guard with their fifth-overall pick on June 23.
Most mock drafts would suggest that the Clippers could go with Darius Acuff or Keaton Wagler–both guards for their respective schools.
Of course, simply selecting a guard wouldn’t totally eliminate the Clippers’ potential interest in Grimes, but it would certainly help.
The Clippers haven’t been linked to Grimes otherwise. Right now, they don’t seem to pose a major threat to Philadelphia when it comes to the Grimes business.
Quentin Grimes’ History With The Sixers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 12: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
After he spent 47 games with the Dallas Mavericks, Grimes was traded to the Sixers before the 2025 NBA trade deadline.
During his final 28-game run with the Sixers in 2024-2025, Grimes produced career-best averages of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He shot 46.9% from the field and 37.3% from three.
Although Grimes was a free agent in 2025, the Sixers were able to retain him on a qualifying offer. During his first and only season with the 76ers, Grimes averaged 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
This season, Grimes will be an unrestricted free agent. The Sixers don’t have the same power to match offers for the veteran guard, but they are likely to see what they can do to get him back for another run.