Though Sixers starting power forward Tobias Harris may be a trade candidate down the line, Philadelphia needs his two-way contributions while weathering injuries to the team’s three leading scorers, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Harris, the Sixers’ fourth-leading scorer, has two years and $76.9MM remaining on his current maximum-salary contract with the club. In his last two contests – with James Harden, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey out – Harris is averaging 21.5 PPG while taking 20.5 field goals a night. For the 2022/23 season, the 6’8″ vet is averaging 15.6 PPG, on 13.1 field goal tries.
There’s more out of the Atlantic Division:
- Knicks guard Quentin Grimes has been logging significant minutes of late, having been promoted to a starting role in the absence of injured wing Cam Reddish, per Peter Botte of The New York Post. “I feel great,” Grimes said of the opportunity. “I feel like I’m kind of back to my old game shape, really.” Zach Braziller of The New York Post scouts how Grimes can help New York though his shooting, perimeter defense, and passing.
- Ahead of his Mavericks’ 125-112 loss to the Celtics on Wednesday, All-Star guard Luka Doncic praised Boston as “probably” the league’s best team, adding that All-Star swingmen Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum could be the team’s best tandem, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Tatum and Brown combined for 68 points in Boston’s win over the Mavs.
- The Raptors front office does not yet have enough information about the team’s roster to have made a determination about how best it can approach this season’s trade deadline, writes Doug Smith of The Toronto Star. Injuries and illnesses have affected several key players, including forward Pascal Siakam and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. have impeded the team’s appraisals.
Nobody is gonna trade anything for Harris nor should anybody trade anything of use for Harris !
The problem with Harris are the sub 10-pt nights too many of them. Other than that I’ve been satisfied with him, wish his salary was lower obv but he’s a great 3rd and 4th option.
He’s not paid like a 3rd or fourth option which is a problem. He has negative value times ten.
They signed Harris for his offense. Cause the future was with Ben. Harris in the right system and right team. Can still put up numbers. And play both ways. You can’t do that when you are the last option. There’s a team out there that can steal him away cheap. He’s from my hometown. So I’d love to get him on Knicks. Definitely on the cheap. Fournier as a shooter can fit in with Embiid and Harden. Please give him away.
Grimes is getting into gm shape. Seems like the starting two is his now. Cam has also been playing well. But I’m skeptical with him. Cause it’s a contract yr. I’d rather he play well then trade him for value.
Have always said. Grimes gets his handle tighter. He has potential to be a very good player. He’s a 2way player. Those are the best team players.
Don’t blame Tobias… Elton Brand offered him the contract.
Was he supposed to say, “Nah, Elton… I’m not THAT good… gimme a couple dollars LESS and I’ll sign!”
The Sixers aren’t trading Harris for picks. If someone actually will trade what thr Sixers want for him, they should be fine with the return carrying the load.