Tobias Harris trade rumors heating up; Top 5 landing spots
PHILADELPHIA (BVM) – Over the past couple of weeks, rumors have continued to circulate that the Philadelphia 76ers may be looking to trade forward Tobias Harris. For a team that is paying Joel Embiid, may retain the hefty salary of James Harden and could look to soon extend the contract of Tyrese Maxey, it’s possible Harris could be the odd man out in Philly’s core as the team looks for perhaps a younger option to help get them over the hump.
Last season, Harris averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in his fifth year in Philadelphia, putting together strong performances on several occasions for the 76ers.
18 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL
roll the @Tobias31 highlight reel.
🎥 presented by @PALottery pic.twitter.com/n5q0Fmsz4E
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 18, 2023
However, the small forward struggled in the Sixers’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Boston Celtics, averaging just around 12 points across seven games while scoring just two points on 1-of-7 shooting in a crucial closeout Game 6 at home. Harris’ scoring numbers last season were also his lowest in his four-and-a-half years on the court in Philadelphia.
After coming into the league with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2011, the Tennessee product earned his chance to prove his scoring ability in the ensuing years with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers. At the 2019 trade deadline, Harris was dealt to the Sixers and has been part of a core in Philadelphia that has seen plenty of success, but also one that has not been able to reach the Eastern Conference finals across six consecutive postseason berths.
While there has been a changing of the guard at the top with Philadelphia firing Doc Rivers and hiring former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse, the team seems content to run it back with the same group, and has stated they do not plan to deal Harris at this time.
However, a couple of days later, Harris spoke out himself on the trade rumors. In addition to discussing his value to the team, he also made headlines with this quote:
“Casual Sixers fans, they’ll trade me for a Crumbl Cookie.”
Tobias Harris on trade speculation:
"Casual Sixers fans, they'll trade me for a Crumbl Cookie."
(via @NBCSPhilly)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 27, 2023
Although Harris may ultimately want to stay in Philadelphia, there is certainly a chance the 76ers continue to explore a trade for the 12-year vet. Here are five possible landing spots for Harris should he be dealt from Philly.
