Sixers Dump Tobias Harris in Lackluster Mock Trade
While the Sixers have already put in a ton of work to build a contending roster around Joel Embiid and James Harden, there is still time to make some finishing touches. With the start of training camp right around the corner, the people at Bleacher Report decided to put together one mock trade for each NBA team.
For the Sixers, they laid out a scenario in which the team sends Tobias Harris, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Buddy Hield. The sharpshooting guard played in 81 games last season and posted averages of 15.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.8 APG.
For a team on the title contenders’ tier (or at least close to it), more financial flexibility and the ability to surround Harden-Embiid pick-and-rolls with the outside shooting of Hield and two more above-average floor-spacers is worth a pick swap and a way-in-the-future first.
Given that he is one of the league’s most high-volume outside shooters, it makes sense why Hield was chosen to be the Sixers’ trade target. For a team whose offense is centered around a big man, proper floor spacing is essential. However, this is a bit of an overpay to bring in just another three-point specialist.
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Sixers should be in no rush to trade Tobias Harris
There is no denying he’s been a polarizing player, but Tobias Harris has still proven to be a valuable piece for the Sixers. Not only is he a vocal leader and mentor in the locker room, but he does whatever is needed on the court as well.
When James Harden entered the fray after the blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, nobody had to adjust more than Harris. Instead of causing an issue with his change in offensive looks, he embraced it. Harris also found great success playing alongside the former MVP. In the 24 games following the All-Star break, he shot 40% from beyond the arc on 4.6 attempts per game.
Along with embracing a more catch-and-shoot style on offense, the veteran forward used the extra energy to lock in on the defensive end. This was seen in full force in the first round of the postseason when Harris took on the assignment of Pascal Siakam.
Everyone agrees the Sixers paid a lot of money to a player that has never made an All-Star team. However, Harris continues to do whatever is needed to help put the team in the best position to win. At this point, the team should not be looking to part ways with multiple picks and swaps just to get off him and his deal.
Mandatory Credit: USA Today
