The Detroit Pistons, who recently put Killian Hayes on the trade block, may be interested in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, per the latest NBA rumors:
Per league sources, the Pistons remain interested in the sharpshooting forward who played in Detroit from 2016-18.
Harris played for the Pistons from 2016 to 2018. During his Pistons tenure, Harris averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field. The Pistons traded Harris to the Los Angeles Clippers in January 2018 in a package for Blake Griffin.
This season with the 76ers, Harris is averaging 17.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Additionally, Harris’ 51.2 FG% ties a career-high, set during the 2020-21 NBA season.
The 30-18 76ers are 5-5 over their last 10 games. Plus, with Joel Embiid expected to be out indefinitely due to a knee injury, Philadelphia may be active at this year’s NBA Trade Deadline.
The Detroit Pistons are interested in Tobias Harris, per @JLEdwardsIII
(Via https://t.co/oVIXTUY2kQ) pic.twitter.com/2RofSydiee
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2024
NBA Rumors: Detroit Pistons Interested in Reunion with Forward?
Why Do the Pistons Want Tobias Harris?
The Pistons, currently 6-43, have the worst record in the NBA. Barring a miracle of some sort, they will not be in any sort of playoff contention this year. However, on paper, Harris can fit in well with the Pistons.
Despite their bad record, the Pistons have talent on their team. They have a nice, young backcourt duo of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Additionally, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart have both shown potential in their careers up to this point. Adding a veteran wing like Harris who can elevate the team’s offense makes sense for the Pistons to do.
A few months ago, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse spoke highly of Harris’ game:
“What’s stood out to me is I think, again, his willingness to do—he is willing to understand all the little facets—I keep saying it like he can do a lot of different things, right?” Nurse stated of Harris. “I’m not talking about him shooting the 3, driving the ball, posting up, whatever, he can do a little bit of everything. He can bring it, rebound it, defend multiple positions, all that kind of stuff, and I think what stands out to me is he’s very much in tune with that he is versatile and in tune with being a team player, right?”
Harris’ versatility and experience in the league can give the Pistons an immediate boost, especially for upcoming seasons.
Last Word on the Tobias Harris-Pistons NBA Rumors
In short, it seems unlikely Harris will go anywhere this season. Furthermore, this is what reports are suggesting as well:
While a move before the deadline for Harris wouldn’t surprise me, the feeling I’ve gotten is that the Pistons are more likely to go after Harris in the summer using cap space. Detroit appears to be on the fence about giving up any type of asset for a player it could simply sign this summer. Harris has personal connections to Detroit and relationships with several in the front office and coaching staff. Depending on Philadelphia’s asking price for Harris, it might make more sense for the Pistons to just sit it out until this summer.
Harris is going to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. This summer, the Tennessee alum will turn 32 years old. While the Pistons are a better team than their record shows, Harris will likely be sought after by teams looking to make a run immediately. Even if the Pistons get Harris at the deadline, there is a chance he will leave for a better situation in the offseason.
