The 76ers, who acquired Ben Simmons this past summer in a draft day trade, are reportedly willing to include forward Tobias Harris as part of any potential deal for the Los Angeles Lakers’ young star Lonzo Ball.
The recent rumors that the Sixers would be interested in trading Simmons and potentially Harris might seem like bad news for Philadelphia sports fans, but it’s actually great news for basketball hoops fans everywhere. The Sixers have no direction without Harris on their team-and there is nowhere else he will go…except maybe back home to New York City where he spent his first five seasons with the Knicks before signing with Phoenix last year.
The “sixers rumors” is a story that has been circulating for some time now. The 76ers have reportedly been interested in trading for Tobias Harris, but the Houston Rockets are not willing to trade him.
At this point, supporters of the Philadelphia 76ers may as well pray that Ben Simmons returns to the organization, as president Daryl Morey and the front office look to be floundering in trade discussions.
Morey and the 76ers have insisted on trading Simmons for a big price. However, recent sources have claimed that the organization is hoping to combine Tobias Harris’ large deal with Simmons’ in a money dump. In many respects, they are opposing ideas. They show a lack of commitment that might lead to the Sixers squandering another year of Joel Embiid’s peak.
Tobis Harris being included in a Ben Simmons trade deal makes it more difficult for the 76ers to acquire the desired return.
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Tobias Harris is an NBA player of distinction. Is he, though, worth the final two seasons and approximately $77 million on his present deal? No, most likely not.
Harris’ field-goal percentage of 45.5 percent is his lowest since his sophomore year. From outside the arc, he’s shooting a dismal 29.5 percent. Furthermore, despite the fact that the 76ers forward is a reliable rebounder and capable playmaker, the Sixers have had better defensive success without him on the court.
When contract and performance are taken into consideration, incorporating Harris in a Ben Simmons trade deal seems to show a shift in Daryl Morey’s and the 76ers’ attitude. To make a trade work, any club taking on that much money is going to be wary about what they give up, so they may not part with as much value or just send the Sixers unappealing payroll fillers.
The Atlanta Hawks may have the necessary contracts and skill to make a trade happen. According to reports, Atlanta is interested in Simmons. But how much do the Hawks care about Harris?
The possibility of Philadelphia insisting on incorporating Harris in a Simmons deal may alter the tone of talks with a number of clubs. That’s challenging given the 76ers’ reluctance to lower their asking price.
Morey and the 76ers are still adamant on securing top-tier assets for Simmons.
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Whether or whether they include Harris in a Ben Simmons trade, the 76ers remain committed to obtaining elite-level talent.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Phillies are optimistic that Simmons will return to the lineup. Mannix said that if he doesn’t, the Sixers would continue to pursue a “proven All-Star.”
Mannix’s findings are no longer surprising. The 76ers have been following this strategy for months, as previously stated. According to Morey, the procedure might take years. The problem is that when two monster incomes are combined, you can’t sell high. These are two opposing management approaches.
Among all of this, there is one unifying thread: Morey is completely at ease with the long game. However, he could wish to convey a sense of urgency.
The 76ers must make a commitment in some fashion.
Left to Right: Visual China Group via Getty Images and Mitchell Leff/Getty Images | Daryl Morey (L), Ben Simmons (R, L), and Tobias Harris (R,R) |
The 76ers are soon nearing the point when they must choose a direction. Either the front office negotiates the best possible contract for Simmons, or it works with another superstar in mind, fully aware of the danger that such a plan entails.
Morey may still be hoping to wrest Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst claimed on The Hoop Collective podcast that some executives think Philly’s rumored desire to add Harris in a Simmons trade is tied to a possible free agency pursuit of James Harden.
In all situations, though, the Sixers take on a significant amount of risk. Lillard’s future has been a hot issue for a while, but he hasn’t shown a strong desire to leave Portland. Meanwhile, it’s unclear if Harden wants to sign with a club other than the Brooklyn Nets, and depending on how things go with Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn may not let him go.
The 76ers could just as easily trade Simmons for valuable assets to help them win right now. However, Morey’s ambiguity in this case implies a lack of clarity, which might jeopardize Philly’s competitive advantage.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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The 76ers are reportedly looking to trade Ben Simmons in order to acquire Tobias Harris. The problem with this is that the 76ers have been going in the wrong direction for a while now. Reference: where is ben simmons from.
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