The Sixers have begun preliminary check-ins with rival teams to discuss who may or may not be available in trades, and Tobias Harris is among the players who have been discussed, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com provides more context on Charania’s minor rumor involving Harris, writing that there have been a lot more trade talks than normal prior to December 15, when most free agents signed in the offseason become trade-eligible, and “Harris’ name has been has been discussed quite a bit already.”
Neubeck also hears that Matisse Thybulle is drawing interest from opposing teams, and expects the fourth-year swingman to be a fixture in trade rumors leading up to the February deadline.
Harris’ name has popped up multiple times in the rumor mill over the past couple years, but as Neubeck notes, his salary — which pays him $37.6MM this season and $39.3MM in 2023/24, the final year of his contract — makes him difficult to move. Harris is a solid player, but just isn’t valued at what he currently makes, and replacing his production while likely not getting equal value in return doesn’t make much sense for a contending club like the Sixers, Neubeck adds.
Harris will miss Friday’s home game against Milwaukee with left hip soreness, tweets Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
As for Thybulle, he is one of the most unique players in the NBA because he’s an elite defender — he earned All-Defensive nods each of the past two seasons — but a major negative on offense. That makes his value difficult to gauge, because he was a liability in last season’s playoffs and has struggled mightily to start ’22/23, averaging just 1.5 points on .296/.188/.333 shooting (small sample size) in 13.1 minutes per night across 13 games.
Thybulle will be a restricted free agent next summer after failing to reach a rookie scale extension with Philadelphia. The former 20th overall pick will earn $4.4MM in the final season of his rookie contract.
When will owners stop giving out ridiculous contracts? Harris was never worth that contract. Paying B or C level players max money is the fastest way to paralyze your franchise.
Idea
Lakers get Harris and Thybulle
Third team gets Westbrook and 2 top-5 protected picks
76ers get a good player from third team
Harris stats, plays 34 minutes per game
15
6
3
Salary $38 million this year
Desmond Bane plays 34 minutes per game
25
5
5
Salary 2 million this year
Thybulle stats, plays 13 minutes per game
1.5
1.5
0.6
Stupid comparison Sillivan. Bane is on his rookie contract, he makes all that he can.
If you want to make a comparison, use a player who has signed a non rookie scale contract.
Seems like he was just making a money vs production comparison… nothing wrong with that.
But, in actuality, Bane’s numbers, making only 2mil, are more productive than 3/4 of the league, not just Harris.
Young fella gonna get paid, obviously.
Is Tobias an expiring yet? If not, this is a useless exercise.
If Maxey isn’t injured a long time might as well start canvassing the league for Harden suitors also, he’s cooked.
Thybulle, Korkmaz and a second for Crowder pleaseeeeeeeee