NBA Rumors: Tobias Harris’ Name Popped Up in Trade Talks?
With the 2022-2023 season well underway at this point, teams are beginning to find their identity. Per usual, when teams start to figure out who they are and what they need to get to where they want to go, the trade conversations start to heat up across the league.
The Philadelphia 76ers are typically aggressive in the trade market. As they had a disgruntled All-Star who was unwilling to play for them last season, the Sixers did all they could to move Ben Simmons ahead of last year’s trade deadline.
By February, the Sixers struck a blockbuster deal to move Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.
Tobias Harris, who has seen his name come up in trade rumors several times over the last couple of seasons, stayed on board with the 76ers despite all of the trade talks going around. Unfortunately for Harris, it seems his name is back in the rumor mill as the 2022-2023 trade market begins to form.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Sixers officials have “begun their usual check-ins” with other organizations as the key December 15 date approaches. Per Charania’s report, Harris’ name is once again being floated around.
“76ers officials have begun their usual check-ins with teams across the league ahead of the Dec. 15 date for players who signed contracts in the offseason to be traded, when trade talks begin to intensify. Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris has come up in the 76ers’ conversations with clubs so far, league sources said.”
Harris is no stranger to getting traded. Since entering the NBA, Harris played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Each new destination came via trade. Even when Harris was drafted in 2011, the former Tennessee forward was traded after getting selected 19th overall.
The consistent moving around the league ended for Harris in 2019. After he was moved to the Sixers in a blockbuster trade during the 2018-2019 season, Harris inked a long-term max contract with the 76ers. He’s been with the organization ever since.
Although Harris’ scoring numbers are down this year, the veteran forward has embraced his role on offense and is shooting efficiently as he’s drained 40 percent on his threes on 5.2 attempts per game so far.
The Sixers might be putting out some feelers for deals centered around Harris, as Charania reported. However, the chances of the veteran getting moved to remain low. As Harris has been one of the more consistent players on the Sixers in terms of production and health, the Sixers are far from desperate to move on from the 30-year-old former first-round pick.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.