While the NBA world is fixated on the Los Angeles Lakers offering half of their roster and their future for every bone in Anthony Davis' body, the Philadelphia 76ers swooped in to steal the spotlight by acquiring Tobias Harris from the L.A. Clippers in a six-player blockbuster.
While this trade certainly bolsters the Sixers' chances this season, Elton Brand's camp still has their eyes on the future as Philly intends to re-sign Harris and fellow in-season addition Jimmy Butler in the offseason.
The Sixers are budgeting to re-sign and keep a new Big 4, including free agents Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler this summer, league sources tell ESPN. Philadelphia has long-term plans for Harris, Butler, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons together.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2019
The Eastern Conference's upper echelon isn't set in stone. Only the Milwaukee Bucks are owners of a roster that's built to continue its reign of terror for years. The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics are facing an uncertain future to its top superstars in Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving, respectively.
This opens up a grand opportunity for the Sixers, who could potentially have the most top-heavy lineup in the East and one of the strongest fives in the NBA, for that matter, by virtue of having Harris, Butler, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid as their Big Four.
Philadelphia's single large contract after this season would only be Embiid, who will be paid $27 million in 2019-20. Simmons is still in his rookie deal, allowing great cap flexibility for the Sixers as they hope to pony up on Butler and Harris.
Butler is expected to not pick up his $19 million player option for next season while Harris is on a $14 million salary before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer. The Sixers rolled the dice by letting go of the Miami Heat's unprotected 2021 first rounder for this deal to push through.
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