The Philadelphia 76ers won’t commit to trading small forward Tobias Harris unless the deal improves their flexibility and top-end ceiling, according to NBA insider Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.
Harris signed a massive five-year, $180 million contract with the Sixers in July 2019.
“Tobias Harris’ future has been a big point of speculation, as his $39 million expiring contract represents an interesting trade chip should the Sixers decide they want to make a splashy move now or before the season ends,” Neubeck wrote. “One source familiar with the Sixers’ thinking urged caution when asked if a deal for Harris could materialize this week, suggesting there was no real traction on a deal at present and that the team wouldn’t rush into a deal just to trade Harris for the sake of it.
“While shifting trade rules will alter their options after July 1st, the Sixers believe they’ll have multiple windows (the draft, the pre-camp period, and the pre-deadline period) to explore potential trades, and won’t commit to dealing Harris unless it improves Philadelphia’s flexibility or top-end ceiling.”
Harris averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists this past season while shooting 50.1% from the field, 38.9% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line. The Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games despite having a 3-2 lead in the series.
Doc Rivers was fired as head coach and replaced by former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, who won the 2019 championship over the Golden State Warriors in six games.
Harris has career averages of 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and Sixers. The Indiana Pacers are interested in trading for the Tennessee product.
The Sixers are focused on re-signing former MVP James Harden, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
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