6 76ers most likely to be traded before the deadline
By Tyler Watts
4. Tobias Harris
Harris has increased his scoring and playmaking with the departure of James Harden. He is back to averaging 17.5 points and over three assists per game. The 6’8 forward is a crucial part of their attack and is in the final year of his $180 million contract. Harris is making $39.2 million this season and will be the first player dumped if the Sixers decide to make a massive splash in free agency this summer.
His massive expiring contract is the perfect salary-matcher, but giving up your third-best player for an upgrade may not be enough to push the Sixers into title contention. They are better offer trading multiple pieces and keeping Harris as their fourth-best option. Harris played that role last season with James Harden in Philly.
The 31-year-old is in the middle of his prime. Do not be surprised to see his 3-point percentage climb as he gets more comfortable in head coach Nick Nurse’s system. Harris is a crucial part of the Sixers this season and will remain in a key role if he is on their roster beyond the trade deadline.
The Philadelphia 76ers would be better off using a combination of young talent and expiring contracts to match salary in a trade. This young wing is rumored to be drawing interest from a contender.