According to reports, six teams could make Tobias Harris’ list in free agency.
The Philadelphia 76ers used valuable assets to acquire Tobias Harris at the trade deadline, including Landry Shamet and multiple first-round picks. Now entering unrestricted free agency, Harris is expected to consider several teams outside South Philly.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, the Nets, Kings, Pacers, Mavericks and Jazz will pursue Harris in July. The Sixers, of course, are interested in re-signing him. It’s difficult to make such a strong commitment at the deadline then not commit long-term, assuming it’s possible.
The Sixers can offer the most years and the most money, with a five-year, $190 million contract on the table. Debates about Harris’ true value have been prevalent since Game 7 ended, but Harris remains the Sixers’ most realistic and useful allocation of money. They’re essentially capped out after 2019.
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If Harris wants to win and get paid, Philadelphia remains his best option. The Sixers need to pay up, but assuming ownership is willing to do so, it feels as though Harris would be inclined to stay. He has bounced around quite a bit in his NBA career and could be drawn to stability.
All indications are that Harris enjoyed his half-season in Philadelphia. The Sixers made a competitive run in the postseason, he remained an important offensive piece and the culture under Brett Brown is strong. Harris was regarded as an elite human being on multiple occasions when Brown spoke to the media. That relationship seems strong.
In an interview with the New York Post last month, Harris’ father (and agent) said he’s “hoping the future is the 76ers,” noting Tobias’ love for the city. With that said, there’s still no certainty and Harris is bound to listen to other offers.
Perhaps the greatest threat is the Nets, who likely view Harris as the ultimate solution to their limited power forward depth. Harris can space the floor and provide a low-usage star counterpart for D’Angelo Russell, Caris LeVert and the Brooklyn backcourt. It’s a natural fit.
It’s also Harris’ hometown. He has family in Brooklyn and could be infatuated by the idea of playing closer to home. Philadelphia is still close to New York — he’s just a train ride away — but the allure of Brooklyn is strong nonetheless.
While Harris could get a bigger role elsewhere, his best chance to win (of the teams mentioned in the report) is Philadelphia. It’s not particularly close either. The Mavs and Jazz could compete in the West next season, but title aspirations seem less-than-reasonable. The Sixers have a legitimate path in the Eastern Conference.
The idealist view is Harris’ decision will come down to Elton Brand and ownership spending the necessary money. All season, the Sixers have been adamant about their willingness to spend big on a contender. Hopefully the talk translates into action this summer.