2023 NBA Draft: Chances of 76ers Trading Tobias Harris Seem Low

Since signing a max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, Tobias Harris has found himself in trade rumors countless times. Although last season was probably the quietest in terms of Harris-related rumors in the trade market, Tobias didn’t avoid those talks entirely.

That remains the case as the 2023-2024 NBA season approaches. Following another second-round exit, the Sixers are searching for answers as they look to finally get over the second-round hump.

The team’s first big move of the offseason started with the departure of Doc Rivers, who was replaced by former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. Now, the Sixers are working on retaining James Harden, who is expected to become a free agent in the coming weeks.

As for Harris, his future in Philadelphia remains unclear. With one season left on his max contract, the Sixers could either ride it out until he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer or look to move Harris off the books in order to get value for him now rather than risk losing him for nothing.

A recent statement from an NBA Insider mentioned they were “confident” that Harris would be one of at least two players that could find themselves donning a different uniform next season. With the 2023 NBA Draft just one day away, many speculate that could be the time the Sixers finally part ways with Harris, considering the Sixers have been active in the trading market on draft night in recent years.

Last season, the Sixers moved their lone draft pick, along with Danny Green, to the Memphis Grizzlies in order to land De’Anthony Melton. During the 2020 NBA Draft, Daryl Morey and the Sixers made multiple trades, moving players such as Al Horford and Josh Richardson to acquire veterans like Danny Green and Seth Curry.

While there is a chance Harris could be the next veteran on the outs on draft night, don’t bank on it. According to Kyle Neubeck of Philly Voice, a Sixers source “urged with caution” when discussing Harris’ chances of getting traded this week.

“There was no real traction on a deal at present,” Neubeck wrote in his pre-draft column. “ The team wouldn’t rush into a deal just to trade Harris for the sake of it.”

Talent-wise, Harris brings some desirable traits to the table, as he’s a reliable shooter and much-improved on the defensive end of the floor. While Harris had his lowest-scoring season with the Sixers, averaging just 15 points per game in 74 outings, he was efficient from beyond the arc, knocking down 39 percent of his threes on four attempts per game.

Beyond what Harris brings to the court, there could be some hesitancy from interested suitors due to the veteran’s salary for next season. Slated to make over $39 million for the year, Harris will be as expensive as ever. While he’s only under contract for one more year, a team would have to fork up a lot to acquire him.

While the Sixers’ offense focuses heavily on Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey, Harris has proven to be an excellent third, fourth, and sometimes even second option over the years, depending on who’s on the court.

Philadelphia will more than likely explore any Harris-centric deal presented to them over the offseason, but it seems trading away the max-contracted forward is not a top priority at this time.