PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers will open the 2026 offseason with Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Joel Embiid already locked into next year’s roster, but three other rotation pieces are headed for unrestricted free agency: Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond.
Grimes, who accepted a qualifying offer last summer, posted a career-low three-point percentage during an uneven season that nonetheless included productive stretches while Maxey was injured in March. With Philadelphia still searching for a new head of basketball operations, Grimes’ future with the club remains uncertain, and his departure would thin a backcourt that was once considered deep.
Oubre, who rejuvenated his career in Philadelphia, expressed gratitude for the opportunity but acknowledged he has no clear sense of his market value heading into July. Drummond, Embiid’s primary backup, will also test free agency.
Nets still waiting on 2025 draft class
BROOKLYN — The Nets invested heavily in the 2025 draft, keeping all five of their first-round selections. One year later, none of those rookies earned a spot on the 2026 All-Rookie teams; only guard Egor Demin picked up stray votes. Brooklyn slid to No. 6 in the 2026 draft lottery, underscoring the need for at least a few members of last year’s class to develop into reliable rotation players if the franchise hopes to accelerate its rebuild.
Brunson father-son exchange draws attention
NEW YORK — A sideline confrontation during Game 4 of the first round between Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and his father, assistant coach Rick Brunson, sparked social-media chatter but was nothing new for the duo. According to the elder Brunson, similarly intense — yet respectful — interactions date back to his days coaching at the University of Virginia in 2007. “I wanted to see if he would fold or keep coming back,” Rick said of his son’s response to hard coaching, adding that his approach mirrors what college coaches demand, “the difference is I love you; he doesn’t.”
The exchange highlighted a competitive dynamic that has followed Jalen through Villanova and into the NBA, where the 27-year-old continues to embrace his father’s challenges.
Source: HoopsRumors
