A comment this week from Philadelphia 76ers general manager Daryl Morey about Tobias Harris is likely to make diehard fans face-palm in frustration.
Heading into the NBA games today, the Sixers are unfortunately planning their plans for the summer after being ousted from the playoffs by the New York Knicks last week. It was a frustrating end to the season, but there were still some positive signs that came from their 2023-24 campaign.
Despite trading James Harden at the start of the season, they didn’t take a step back in their competitive level because Tyrese Maxey evolved into a legitimate All-Star-level player. Plus, new head coach Nick Nurse seemed like the right choice to lead the team’s title hopes for the foreseeable future. Because of that, the Sixers are on the cusp of being a serious title contender and just need to make a few key moves this summer.
Fortunately for the organization, they have a solid amount of draft assets and a boatload of cap space to use in free agency. However, along with adding players to the roster, one move many fans are looking forward to is the subtraction of pricey forward Tobias Harris.
The Philadelphia 76ers chose to sign him instead of bringing back Jimmy Butler in the summer of 2019. That turned out to be a disastrous move as Butler made the Miami Heat a perennial title contender and Harris has regressed into the highest-paid player to never be an All-Star. With this contract set to expire, Philly fans were excited to move on from the 31-year-old. Well, not so fast.
- Tobias Harris contract with 76ers: Five years, $180 million
During his end-of-the-season press conference this week, GM Daryl Morey spoke about Harris and shockingly admitted “We have interest in all our free agents.” That comment is sure to send a cold chill down the spines of 76ers fans. Obviously, you want to keep all options open but it would also be fair if Morey was honest about going in a new direction without Harris as well.
The organization has been linked to potential pursuits of Paul George and Jimmy Butler this summer to replace Harris.
