The Philadelphia 76ers will have a lot of money to spend in the 2024 NBA Offseason. They may choose to re-sign Tobias Harris with that money, but Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report believes Harris will return to the Detroit Pistons.
Swartz explained why they could both be interested in each other in a story from April 2.
“With most win-now teams having limited cap space, it's hard to say where Harris might end up, but the Detroit Pistons were reportedly interested in him during the trade deadline, according to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, and they might value Harris more as a free-agent addition rather than one that would have required a trade. They have cap space and might want an experienced veteran to help with their rebuilding roster.”
Harris played for the Pistons from 2016 to 2018 and helped them reach the playoffs in 2016. Detroit traded him for Blake Griffin at the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline.
Swartz also explained why the Sixers’ offseason could result in Harris leaving if their plans are successful.
“(His numbers) may not be enough for him to stay in Philadelphia, especially if the Sixers are able to make a big addition or two. He seems like the likely player to go in order to make room for new arrivals.”
Pistons Could Pursue Tobias Harris in Offseason: Report
Swartz mentioned a February 5 report from Edwards in which The Athletic reporter confirmed Detroit’s interest in Harris. Edwards also stated that the Pistons were more likely to wait until the offseason to acquire him.
“I get the feeling that the Pistons are more likely to go after Harris in the summer using their cap space. Detroit seems undecided about giving up any assets for a player they could simply sign this summer.”
Edwards also provided more context for why Harris might pick Detroit over any other option.
“Harris has personal ties to Detroit and knows several people in the front office and coaching staff. Depending on Philadelphia’s asking price for Harris, it might make more sense for the Pistons to wait until this summer.”
Detroit hasn't made the playoffs since 2019. Harris would provide them with an experienced player for a team in the middle of rebuilding.
Sixers' Interest in Paul George Well-Known: Report
Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that many people in the NBA anticipate the Sixers' pursuit of Paul George.
“The 76ers’ wish to sign Paul George in free agency is a widely known secret in the NBA,” Pompey wrote in a story from March 28. “Some expect both sides to agree, leading to George playing alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey next season.”
If the Sixers are successful in getting George, that could greatly impact Harris’ future with the team. Since they play the same position, George and Harris might be redundant on the team. Adding George could open the door for Harris to go elsewhere.
