The Los Angeles Lakers have made it no secret that they want to add another wing to support Luka Dončić and LeBron James as they push for contention in 2025–26. Andrew Wiggins has been their preferred target, but according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles remains hesitant to attach a first-round pick to meet Miami’s asking price.
That’s where a backup plan could come into play. Vishwesha Kumar of Fadeaway World recently proposed an alternative: a sign-and-trade for Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes.
The Deal:
- Lakers receive: Quentin Grimes (via sign-and-trade)
- 76ers receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
Under the framework, Grimes would sign a three-year, $60 million contract averaging $20 million annually. For the Lakers, that would mean securing a 25-year-old two-way wing entering his prime on a deal that fits neatly with the league’s rising salary cap.
Why Grimes Appeals to the Lakers
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Grimes is coming off a breakout stretch in Philadelphia, where he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 28 games after being acquired from Dallas. His numbers were inflated by the Sixers’ injuries—Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all missed significant time—but they showcased his upside when given primary touches.
Even if his scoring dips in Los Angeles, Grimes’ skill set would fill multiple needs. He’s a career 37% shooter from deep, a capable secondary playmaker, and already has a reputation as a strong perimeter defender. Those qualities make him an easy fit alongside Dončić’s ball-dominant creation and LeBron’s still-elite floor command.
Kumar summed up the case for Los Angeles simply: “The addition of Quentin Grimes would not only bolster their overall roster depth but would also give them a much-needed scoring option off the bench.”
Unlike Wiggins, who is already 30 and has dealt with recent inconsistency, Grimes represents an upside play. The Lakers would be betting on his ceiling—hoping he can develop into the type of long-term two-way wing that championship teams are built around.
Why the 76ers Would Consider It
From Philadelphia’s perspective, the deal makes financial and roster sense. Grimes is reportedly seeking $20–25 million annually, a steep price for a team already paying Embiid and Maxey while managing Paul George’s contract.
In this scenario, the Sixers avoid the risk of losing Grimes for nothing in restricted free agency and instead recoup three meaningful assets:
- Jarred Vanderbilt, a versatile defensive forward on a manageable deal.
- Dalton Knecht, a promising rookie shooter who averaged nearly 22 points at Tennessee.
- A 2031 Lakers first-round pick, which could be especially valuable if Los Angeles is rebuilding by then.
Tony Jones of The Athletic has already reported that Philadelphia is hesitant to meet Grimes’ contract demands, making a sign-and-trade exit increasingly plausible.
Risk vs. Reward for the Lakers
The gamble for Los Angeles is clear. Knecht is an intriguing rookie with floor-spacing upside, and the 2031 pick is a significant long-term chip. If Grimes’ production proves to be more situational than sustainable, the Lakers could end up sacrificing real assets for a player closer to a role player than a star.
But the potential payoff is equally enticing. If Grimes continues to grow into his scoring role while maintaining his defensive impact, the Lakers could lock in a high-level wing at a cost well below the max contracts of comparable players.
JJ Redick’s prior connection to Grimes adds another layer of intrigue. The two worked out together in 2023, with Grimes calling it “probably the best two days I’ve had all summer.” Redick described him as “an easy guy to coach,” which could smooth the transition if the Lakers pursued the deal.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Wiggins or Grimes?
Ultimately, the choice for Los Angeles may come down to risk tolerance. Wiggins brings championship experience, positional versatility, and a higher floor, but his recent production raises questions about consistency. Grimes, on the other hand, is unproven at the highest levels but offers youth, upside, and cost control.
As Buha noted, the Lakers remain hesitant to part with a first-rounder for Wiggins. That same pick, however, could be the centerpiece of a Grimes deal.
For a team juggling the urgency of LeBron’s twilight years with Dončić’s long-term timeline, Quentin Grimes represents the kind of calculated gamble that could define the Lakers’ future.