Despite Tobias Harris’ name being involved in plenty of trade rumors recently, the Philadelphia 76ers apparently have no interest in parting ways with the veteran.
“They have not shown an interest in trading Tobias Harris,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on a recent episode of his podcast. “Tobias Harris has been involved in some trade discussions, and they have not shown an interest in trading him.”
Teams like the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers were all linked to Harris last month, but that was before the start of free agency. All of those teams have made some notable moves in recent days and may no longer be interested.
The 30-year-old is coming off arguably his most efficient season yet. He averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while knocking down 50.1 percent of his shots from the field and 38.9 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
The former first-round pick got relegated to being Philadelphia’s fourth option on offense, but he didn’t seem to have an issue with it and excelled in his role.
He did, however, make some targeted comments toward Sixers fans who don’t appear to appreciate his contributions.
"…guard the other team’s best player, shoot, post up, drive and play 70+ games a year…I believe we have the right talent to be a championship team and we have the right pieces and the right culture. With a new coach, I’m excited for what we’re going to bring to the table."
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) June 27, 2023
Plenty of people clapped back at the University of Tennessee product for his comments, including former NBA guard Nick Young.
It’s possible that the NBA world has come to underrate and underappreciate Harris over the past few seasons.
After all, he has been making over $30 million per year since the start of the 2019-20 campaign. Over that span, he has recorded 17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game on 49.0 percent shooting from the field and 37.8 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Those are very solid numbers, but in the eyes of many, he needs to do more to justify such a large salary ($39.3 million this upcoming season).
Harris is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the end of the 2023-24 season, and he seems to still have lots to offer. Plenty of teams across the league could use a skill set like his.
Nevertheless, he remains with Philly for now. The 76ers are in a bit of a transition phase with a new head coach in Nick Nurse and James Harden seemingly on his way out. Perhaps Harris will be able to regain his role as the team’s third option and help it make a deep playoff run.
