The disappointing 2024-25 season is almost over for the Philadelphia 76ers. With them already out of playoff contention, their attention has turned to the 2025 NBA Draft, with them hoping to keep their top-six protected first-round pick out of reach of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Keeping that pick would help soften the disappointment of this season, giving them a high lottery pick to help them both next season and long-term. That would be huge since superstar Joel Embiid faces big offseason surgery to repair his knee, and his recovery could bleed into next season.
There is also Paul George, who signed a massive contract but was a major disappointment. Even with a couple of surprising bright spots this season, they could still face offseason disappointment.
Frustrating CBA loophole could cost the Sixers their two bright spots this summer.
Guerschon Yabusele was signed to a one-year deal last summer and has played impressively well. He's given them a reliable option at power forward and center with them having been decimated by injuries.
Normally, teams are able to keep a player like Yabusele with the many available exceptions, but the Sixers could lose him this summer. They are only able to offer him $2.85 million, which is 125% of his salary this season unless they use an exception that may not have access to. Yabusele is certain to get more this summer.
Especially with teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs both potentially having full access to the midlevel exception and in need of a big man. Not just that, but Quentin Grimes, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks at the trade deadline, will be a restricted free agent. Therefore, teams will no doubt make a run at him.
The Sixers could lose Guerschon Yabusele and Quentin Grimes this summer.
In 22 games with the Sixers, Grimes has been a revelation, posting 21.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game with a sizzling 61.2 true shooting percentage. While Grimes might be playing over his head, by the end of the season, he would have played at that level for one-third of the year—a big sample size.
The Brooklyn Nets, who have up to $70 million in cap space, could potentially make a big offer for him. In that case, the Sixers could lose him with them having a relatively small cushion under the second tax apron.
Losing both Yabusele and Grimes would be a kick in the teeth for the Sixers, but it's a reality they could face. Ironically, them losing their lottery pick could help them keep Grimes, but they would probably prefer to keep that pick over him. Thus, thanks to the collective bargaining agreement, they could lose both players this summer.