Utah is expected to pursue Tobias Harris in free agency, according to a report from The Athletic, which cites unidentified league sources. The team “would have at least a fighting chance” to sign him if he decides to leave the 76ers, the report says.
Harris was sent from the Clippers to Philadelphia in a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline. In total, he averaged 20 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 82 games in 2018-19.
The 76ers, who will face the Raptors in Game 6 of their second-round series Thursday, hold Harris’ Bird Rights and can offer him a full maximum contract, as noted by The Athletic. He said late last month he was focusing on the present.
“We’ll see what happens and what the future holds,’’ Harris told the New York Post. “Only thing I’m locked in on is the playoffs and helping our team win and not looking ahead right now. I’m trying to stay in the moment.”
Harris’ father and agent, Torrel, told the Post he hopes his son remains with Philadelphia.
“We’re worried about the playoffs right now,’’ he said. “We’re hoping the future is the 76ers. Tobias loves it in Philly. Let’s see if they can get to the championship and win a chip.”
The forward has bounced around the NBA and has played for five teams in eight seasons. He has averaged 15.4 points and shot 36.4% from 3-point range in 546 career games.
The Nets, Mavericks and Grizzlies have also been linked to the 26-year-old.
The Jazz, meanwhile, finished the season with a 50-32 record and earned the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They fell to the Rockets in the first round in five games.
