Sixers’ Tobias Harris Expected To Leave In Free Agency

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris is likely to seek a new NBA team once the team’s playoff run is done, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Harris and the Sixers finished with the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and face the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.

The Detroit Pistons could be among the teams on Harris’ radar, per Pompey. Harris played for the Pistons from 2015-17.

“The power forward’s tenure with the 76ers is expected to end once their postseason run concludes,” Pompey wrote. “Several NBA executives believe there’s a chance he’ll land with the Detroit Pistons in free agency. But there are several other teams interested in the 13th-year veteran with career averages of 16.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.”

Harris, 31, averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 70 games during the regular season, shooting 48.7 percent from the floor, 35.3 percent on 3-pointers and 87.8 percent on free throws.

He has also spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Clippers. He’s in his sixth season with the Sixers.

Interestingly, Philadelphia has been linked to Clippers forward and potential free agent Paul George.

“Yes, the Sixers have plenty of room to make a significant move,” Pompey wrote in a separate piece. “And they intend to do just that. Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George is expected to be their top target if declines his $48.8 million player option with L.A. for next season.”

The Clippers have until June 30 to sign George to an extension. They signed Kawhi Leonard to a three-year, $149 million extension in January.

George is averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 47.0% from the field, 41.2% from beyond the arc and 90.7% from the free-throw line. He’s making $45.6 million.

“He’s also eligible to sign an extension this season, but the two sides haven’t reached an agreement,” Pompey wrote. “The belief is that Los Angeles isn’t willing to match Paul George’s expectations for his next contract. Reports have circulated suggesting the Clippers’ offer is less than Leonard’s three-year, $149.7 million extension.”

Ashish Mathur contributed to this report.