The Sixers have landed forward Tobias Harris in a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a report from an ESPN, a trade that gives them another elite-level talent to make a playoff push with.
Related: 10 knee-jerk thoughts: Sixers trade for Tobias Harris
Here are five things you need to know about the Harris:
Top of his game: This is Harris' eighth-season in the NBA, having previously spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and the Clippers. It is also without questions his best season of his career. Harris is averaging 20.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists. That is a career high in points and the second-best season of his career on the glass.
He can shoot: The Sixers have desperately needed to add shooters on their roster, and Harris being inserted into the starting lineup will go a long way in helping to fill that need. Harris is shooting a career-high 43% from the three-point line this season and 49% from the field, which is also the best of his career. Harris' 87% from the free-throw line this season is the second-best of career, as he shot 91% in 2015 with the Pistons. Outside of J.J. Redick, Harris is now likely the second-best shooter on the Sixers' roster.
Still young: Harris brings the perfect combination of youth and experience to the Sixers. Despite being just 26-years old, Harris has 519 games of experience in the NBA, with 399 starts. Although he has played in the playoffs just once — during the 2015 season with the Pistons — Harris is still young enough to grow with the core of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler, while also being ready to contribute right away as they chase an Eastern Conference title.
Fits perfectly: The Sixers' biggest need on the roster was a stretch four that could open things up inside for Embiid and improve the team's spacing on the floor. Harris, on paper, fits that need perfectly. Harris is a strong-enough rebounder that he can help in that department and is capable of creating his own shot, but is also a lethal shooter from the outside. He will be a perfect kick-out option for Embiid.
Free agent: It is impossible to discuss Harris without bringing up one crucial aspect of this deal — Harris is set to become a free agent this offseason. For all of the reasons listed above — his age, his strong season, his perfect fit — Harris is going to be seeking a max-level contract. With Butler also set to become a free agent, the Sixers now have two of their top four players set to hit the free agency market. The Sixers are reportedly interested in keeping both Butler and Harris, but doing so is going to be expensive. The fact the Sixers gave up premium assets — two first-round picks and rookie Landry Shamet — to land Harris shows how committed they are to bringing him back.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
