The Sixers are in a much better position to sign Tobias Harris to a long-term contract than they would have been if he had remained in Los Angeles this season, since they now hold his Bird rights. But even before he was sent to Philadelphia in a pre-deadline deal last month, Harris had the 76ers on his list of potential free agent landing spots, he told Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Speaking to Charania, Harris touched on a handful of other topics, including his ability to play alongside and communicate with Sixers stars Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler, and Ben Simmons, the trade that sent him from L.A. to Philadelphia, and his future beyond 2018/19.
Here are a few of Harris’ notable comments from the discussion:
On the process of meshing with three other star players in Philadelphia:
“I’m motivated by the challenge. With my game, I can play with anybody. I can be productive with whoever is around me and let my game shine the way it should. I play for the love of the game. I was excited by the challenge of coming into a group where we had work to do.”
On whether he was surprised by the Clippers’ decision to trade him:
“I was a little surprised, but it’s the business. They were going in another direction, obviously, so I wish them the best in that direction. At the end of the day, I can only control where I’m at. I want to grow with everybody here. I came here with an open mind about this group, and just excel in any role. I know the kind of player I am, what I bring to any team.
“Of course a part of me is like, ‘Damn, I did my thing, and still…’ But that just goes to show the game and the business aspect of it. I feel people around the league see my game and know my game. They have respect for my game. The 76ers viewed me that way.”
On whether he’s focused on remaining in Philadelphia beyond this season:
“It would be selfish of me to not come into this situation with an open mind to make this work for the long-term. That’s where my mindset is at. I’m a loyal guy to where I am, and if I feel that loyalty back, that is how I operate. For me, it’s just making it work here and figuring out how it will go. So far, it’s been really good. Gotta show that loyalty.”
Guy’s a pro in every interview. Always says the right thing
Totally agree, he should be Philly’s first target in the summer, he combines better with Ben & Joel than Butler does, they should try to keep Butler too, but Toby should be the priority in the summer, should be cheaper than Butler too & is younger & doesn’t need so much the ball as Butler, shooting better as well. Really like the guy, Clips made a mistake IMO, great for the Sixers though!!!
The return for trading Tobias was massive. It was an offer you couldn’t refuse. It’s all good — Tobias is finally on a title contender and now the NBA world will see for themselves what a great player he is. He did right by the Clippers and the Clippers, by trading him to a contender, did right by him.
Yup. On the court a real pro and just fits into the system perfectly.
Needs to stay. Although he could be an option in LAL and I don’t think LeBron would object. When he realizes AD is going to Boston, he should target Harris.
LA have enough forwards they need a 2 and a 5.
Clippers fans still love Tobias Harris and are grateful for all he did to enhance his value during his superb year with the team, allowing the Clippers to make a great trade with a team that needed him for a championship run. I don’t think there are too many Clipper fans who wouldn’t want him back if the stars aligned.