Surprising trade details on Tobias Harris from the 76ers

The 2022-2023 NBA season was an up-and-down affair for the Philadelphia 76ers. They are currently 13-12 on the season, having dealt with some injury woes for key players during their rotation.

The trio of James Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey have played just six games and 135 minutes on the field together. All three have missed so many games that they are currently ineligible for statistical leaderboards as Embiid has played in 17 games, Maxey 15 and Harden only 11.

The most consistent player for Doc River so far this season with his Big 3 combat injuries has been Tobias Harris. Harris seemed to have the hardest time adjusting to Harden’s arrival last season as he saw his attacking opportunities diminish and become more of a spot-up shooter.

So far this season he has thrived despite his shooting attempts declining again. Harris averages 16.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.5 minutes per game. He has a decent shooting range of .477/.411/.841 as he is in the middle of the most efficient season of his career.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

That’s an impressive feat, as it shows that Harris can adapt to any situation he finds himself in. However, given the current state of the team, there are some rumors surrounding Harris.

In order to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Keith Pompey did a mailbag and Harris’s was one of the subjects. Someone asked about his trading market and Pompey gave a profound answer, as Harris’s contract is the biggest obstacle in all the negotiations he’s involved in.

Tobias Harris would be a great swap chip to get a better fit. However, the Sixers would need to find a team willing to return value for just under two years and $79.6 million remaining on the five-year, $180 million contract he signed on July 10, 2019. Harris’ contract is likely the reason the oft-shopped forward is still on the roster. It is a contract that can be more easily redeemed next season while he is in his senior year.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

But we’ll continue to hear Harris’s name in potential trade talks, and that only makes sense. He would be a solid pick for a team that thinks adding another scoring threat would make it a championship contender. The question is, though, would a team be willing to take on his hefty salary knowing he could make $39.2 million next season? But the way Harris has been looking lately, I wouldn’t trade him.’

While some people would like to see Harris moved to upgrade the roster, it’s fair to ask if trading him would actually help the team. Although he is not considered the strongest defender, there is a lot he likes.

He has adapted seamlessly to become the fourth attack option behind Embiid, Harden and Maxey without any complaints. As previously mentioned, he has been their most consistent performer this season; where would the 76ers be this season without him in the mix?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris & Philadelphia 76ers Updates

But given how well he plays, there could very well be a market for him. Harris could be used to match salary in a sizable deal, but the 76ers won’t just give him away to make a deal. They will want to get something of real value in exchange for him, even if his contract is a hurdle.