NBA Trade Rumors: Tobias Harris expected to attract interest if the Sixers decide to trade him
What's the rumor?
After losing Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat in free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers brought back Tobias Harris on a five-year deal worth $180 million. However, Harris' contract has left the Sixers with little room to add new signings, and there has been some speculation that the Sixers could look to trade the forward following his underwhelming start to the season.
Regarding a potential trade, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes that a number of teams would be interested in signing Harris despite his huge contract:
He shouldn't prove immovable once he becomes trade-eligible. It helps that Harris' deal only runs through his age-31 season. The Philadelphia 76ers weren't the only team that would've handed him near-max money over the summer. Certain suitors would still gamble on his fringe stardom at a low enough opportunity cost.
In case you didn't know...
Harris was selected with the 19th pick in the 2011 draft by the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) and was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. Harris struggled for game time in his two seasons in Milwaukee, although he went to enjoy proficient spells with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers sent Harris to the Sixers as part of a huge trade ahead of the trade deadline in February, and through 44 appearances, the Duke product has averaged 18.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.
The heart of the matter
While his form hasn't been disastrous, Harris has failed to hit top form on the Sixers, and he appears to be an awkward fit alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. An imminent trade is unlikely as the Sixers will want to give more chance for their star trio to gel, although Philadelphia could explore a trade if they have yet to hit top form ahead of the trade deadline.
What's next?
Harris and the Sixers are next in action tomorrow night as they take on the struggling New York Knicks.