Tobias Harris’ tenure in Philadelphia is reportedly nearing an end. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer said the 76ers are not expected to bring back the 32-year-old unrestricted free agent.
The power forward’s tenure with the 76ers is expected to end once their postseason run concludes.
While Harris will be a free agent on July 1, the 76ers have some work left to do this season. Philadelphia faces the New York Knicks starting tomorrow for their best-of-seven first-round series.
Philadelphia 76ers Reportedly Parting Ways With Veteran Forward, Central Division Squad Expected To Be One Of Several Suitors
Harris has been very good for the 76ers since being acquired in a trade deadline deal from the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2019. Harris signed a five-year, $180-million max extension that summer with Philadelphia. He has produced 17 points and six rebounds in four of his five full seasons in the City of Brotherly Love.
However, despite his production and quality two-way play, Harris has never received the love of the 76ers’ fans.
It is likely time for the 76ers to move on from the 6-8 forward. The Sixers have won at least 47 regular-season games in each of Harris’ campaigns, but they have yet to reach the Eastern Conference finals. Plus, the Sixers will be able to rebuild its roster this offseason for the first time in years.
Harris had an excellent bounce-back season this year following his least productive campaign since 2015-16 a year ago. Consistency has plagued Harris throughout his tenure in Philly.
Allowing Harris to leave will also give the 76ers a chance to get younger. The Sixers are the fifth-oldest team in the league, with four players at least 30 years old, including three 33 years old or older.
Philadelphia Offseason Outlook
Philadelphia projects to have the second-most cap space in the league this summer. Joel Embiid is the only player locked into a deal with the 76ers, although four others have non-guaranteed deals. Paul Reed will lock up a roster if the Sixers advance past the Knicks this postseason, as his contract would be guaranteed — realistically, Reed has locked up a spot.
The 76ers’ top priority is restricted free agent Tyrese Maxey, who is expected to sign a maximum extension. The Sixers have already been linked to Paul George, if he opts out of his final year with the Clippers. DeMar DeRozan would be another option if he doesn’t get an extension from Chicago.
However, Miles Bridges or Malik Monk would make more sense for the Sixers. Plus, signing one of the latter, rather than former players, would still give them enough money/cap space to re-sign their own free agents—Kelly Oubre, De’Anthony Melton, and possibly Buddy Hield.
Philadelphia also owns the No. 19 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Harris Will Be In High Demand
Despite wearing out his welcome in Philadelphia, Harris should have plenty of suitors this offseason.
Harris averaged 17. 2 points, 6.5 rebounds,1.0 steals, and 3.2 assists this past season. He did struggle a tad bit, compared to his career averages, from the 3-point line, making 1.3 treys at a 35.8% clip while shooting 48.7% from the field overall.
Harris was a pretty efficient scorer this year, averaging 1.26 points per shot and producing nine double-doubles, the third-highest total in his career. His 2.3 assists-to-turnover ratio was a career-best. Harris also scored in double figures in 60 of his 70 appearances, topping the 20-point mark 27 times and the 30-point plateau on four occasions.
Detroit Pistons and Others
According to Pompey, several NBA executives expect Harris to land in Detroit. The Pistons need a scorer to complement Cade Cunningham and a veteran presence to go along with Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivory, among others. The Pistons project to have over $60.5 million in cap space available this summer, and they have been interested in Harris, who played for the team from 2016-18, since last December, per The Athletic’s James Edwards.
“While a move before the deadline for Harris wouldn’t surprise me, Edwards said back in February. “The feeling I’ve gotten is that the Pistons are more likely to go after Harris in the summer using cap space. Harris has personal connections to Detroit and relationships with several in the front office and coaching staff.”
Other teams that could “get in on” Harris include the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Orlando Magic. All these teams make a ton of sense, notably the Magic, who could use some bench depth, and the Thunder, as Josh Giddey was a disappointment this season. Other teams will likely throw money at Harris, but those teams won’t likely be known until it gets closer to free agency.
