Sunday, December 22, 2024

NBA Rumors: Tobias Harris Targeted by Pistons, Jazz in Free Agency After 76ers Stint

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The Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons are expected to target Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris in free agency, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

“I’m told that the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons are expected to be the strongest suitors for Harris going into free agency,” Charania said on Monday.

Although Harris’ production has remained steady over the past few seasons, he was never able to live up to the massive five-year deal worth $180 million that he signed with Philadelphia in 2019.

Throughout 70 starts during the 2023-24 season, he averaged 17.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and connecting on 35.3 percent of his three-point attempts. He took on a passive role during the 76ers’ first-round playoff defeat against the New York Knicks, recording just 9.0 points in 36.3 minutes per game throughout six contests.

Although the Jazz already have All-Star Lauri Markkanen at the power forward spot, he’s shown that he’s more than capable of playing center. However, it may be difficult for head coach Will Hardy to find enough minutes to justify the potential addition of Harris with forward John Collins still under contract for the 2024-25 season (via Spotrac).

Harris is familiar with Detroit, appearing in 157 games with the Pistons from 2016 until he was traded in 2018. While he doesn’t fit perfectly into the team’s long-term plans at 31 years old, the Pistons are still attempting to surround Cade Cunningham with talent after finishing with a league-worst 14 wins in 2024.

Despite the underwhelming end to his time in Philadelphia, Harris should still have several potential suitors in free agency.

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