NBA Rumor: Mavs 'Making Inquiries' on Tobias Harris Trade?
DALLAS — After adding some intriguing prospects using the NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks continue to explore avenues to improve the roster around Luka Doncic and impending free agent Kyrie Irving.
According to Keith Pompey of Philadelphia Inquirer, the Mavs are among various teams that have expressed interest in trading for Tobias Harris. Other teams with trade interest include the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons.
"The Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and Dallas Mavericks joined the previously mentioned Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons as teams making inquiries about the 30-year-old’s availability, according to sources," Pompey wrote.
Harris is set to earn $39.2 million in the final year of a five-year, $180 million contract. What complicates potential trade opportunities for interested suitors is the "outrageous" trade packages the Sixers are reportedly asking for in return. To put it into perspective, Philadelphia reportedly asked the Cavs for a trade package including Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and a draft pick.
"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."
Harris has faced an inconsistent role since the Sixers acquired James Harden in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 32.9 minutes per game. He shot 50.1 percent overall and 38.9 percent from 3-point range.
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. 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.
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. Losing that mechanism wold impact the ability to add a proven rotation player.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).
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