The Philadelphia 76ers have a couple of big-name players coming up for free agency this summer, as both Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris—both of whom the 76ers acquired via midseason trades—will have the opportunity to take their talents elsewhere in July.
Philadelphia has insisted that it is going to try and keep both players, but given the NBA landscape, that might be tough.
While Harris will likely come cheaper than Butler on an annual basis, he will still earn a hefty payday this offseason, and it's one that a lot of teams may be willing to dole out given his offensive versatility.
Here are three ideal landing spots for Harris this summer:
3. Philadelphia 76ers
Why not just stay with the 76ers?
One thing Philly needs even with Harris on the roster is floor spacing, so if it loses him this summer, it might be in some big trouble heading into next year if general manager Elton Brand doesn't plug the hole.
While Harris is not exactly the greatest defender and does not guard any one position particularly well, his value on the offensive side of the floor is huge for the Sixers, so it would not be surprising to see Brand and Co. go all out to ensure that he stays.
Let's face it: a team that starts Ben Simmons basically needs shooters at all four other positions, and while Harris is not J.J. Redick, he certainly provides the 76ers with a very viable option from deep.
2. Utah Jazz
The Jazz need floor spacing every bit as much as the 76ers do, but the difference is that they have the defenders to mask Harris' deficiencies on the defensive end of the court.
Tobias Harris would slide in very nicely next to Rudy Gobert, as Gobert could clean up his mistakes on the interior and Harris, at the very least, has the athleticism to make a passable effort in pick-and-roll defense.
Offensively, Utah is not only in desperate need of shooters, but it is in dire need of scorers in general. Outside of Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz don't really have anyone who can consistently create their own shot, and Harris would fill that niche pretty well.
Utah has a lot of pieces in place. Mitchell is a stud. Gobert is a defensive anchor. Joe Ingles is a great three-and-D guy. But it is missing offensive firepower. Adding Harris would be a good start to remedying that issue.
This just makes too much sense.
Harris is from the area, the Nets have cap space and they need a scorer up front. Remember: Harris was rumored to be headed to the New York Knicks a few years back, so he has danced with the idea of signing with a New York team in the past.
Jarrett Allen is a very nice young big man, but given his offensive limitations, Brooklyn could really use a scorer to put alongside of him. Harris could be that guy.
Yes, it would make Brooklyn a bit weaker defensively, but perhaps the Nets bring Ed Davis back to help with that, and remember: Brooklyn still has young guys like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to help off the bench.
Of course, the Nets also have to decide what they are doing with D'Angelo Russell, but if they bring him back, Tobias Harris would be a pretty nice piece to put next to him. Offensively, anyway.
Follow Us
Subscribe