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Three more teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, have shown interest in the Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris, but unnamed sources say the Sixers are “overvaluing” the 13-year veteran, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, suggesting why Philadelphia has not traded him yet.
That reporting aligns with that of Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, who said the day before the June 22 draft, “I don’t think anything is moving right now on a Tobias Harris trade. Right now he’s not a major player on the board around the NBA. Things can change but there’s nothing really to keep an eye on at this moment.”
Heading into the draft, Pompey wrote in a June 24 story, the Sixers told the Cavaliers that they wanted Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and a future draft pick in exchange for Harris, an example of the “outrageous packages” that sources say Philadelphia has demanded.
According to Pompey, “there’s no way the Cavs would consider making that deal, and the Sixers knew it.” Allen and Mobley are up-and-coming stars, with Allen, 25, a first-time All-Star, and Mobley, 22, a first team All-Defensive team selection.
Pompey reported on June 24 that the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks joined the Cavs, Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons as teams who’ve inquired about Harris, who is entering the final year of a five-year deal. He is set to make $39 million in 2023-24, the Sixers’ second biggest salary.
“The Sixers have been adamant that they’re not willing to trade him unless it drastically improves their team,” Pompey wrote. “They made that clear on draft night and don’t intend to change their stance.”
“I don’t think anything is moving right now on a Tobias Harris trade. Right now he’s not a major player on the board around the NBA. Things can change but there’s nothing really to keep an eye on at this moment.”
– Jake Fischer on a potential Tobias Harris trade
Sixers’ Tobias Harris Doesn’t Address Mavericks’ Needs
Dallas Basketball’s Grant Afseth wrote that Harris doesn’t fit a need for the Mavericks, deeming the idea of a deal “challenging.”
“With the Mavs’ focus being to bolster their defense and rebounding, Harris would not be the type of trade target that would address those needs,” Afseth wrote in his June 24 story. “Additionally, for any team attempting to trade for Harris, it will be challenging to send out enough salary the Sixers are willing to take back in a trade without using cap space.”
A Harris deal more than likely takes the Mavs out of the running for their non-mid-level exception or their chance to bring on a proven veteran on a modest free agent contract, Afseth wrote.
“For the Mavs to maintain a pathway to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, there would need to be creativity in navigating a trade package for Harris,” Afseth wrote. “Losing that mechanism wold impact the ability to add a proven rotation player.”
Writer Wants Bulls to Swap Zach LaVine for Tobias Harris
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey pitched the idea of the Chicago Bulls trading Zach LaVine’s long-term deal for Harris’ expiring contract.
“The Chicago Bulls should at least be considering the possibility of a reboot,” Bailey wrote in a story published June 23. “Getting out from under a long-term contract like Zach LaVine’s (which runs through 2026-27), could kickstart such a reboot. And a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, who might convince themselves they’re one piece away, could use LaVine’s explosiveness.”