Early Wednesday morning it was reported that Tobias Harris would be shipped to the ‘City of Brotherly Love.’
Sources: Clippers and Sixers have agreed to trade Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott for Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2020 first-rounder, 2021 unprotected 1st via Miami and two second rounders.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2019
The New York native is in line for a maximum-level contract this summer, and it would have proved very difficult for Jerry West and company to keep him. The Clippers leave the trade with the coveted Miami first rounder in 2021 and another first rounder from Philly (protected). There is bad news for Boston fans, if the Clippers (currently eighth) miss the playoffs they keep their first round pick for this year.
So what is the best package the Clippers could currently construct to lure New Orleans to do business with the other Los Angeles team for Anthony Davis? Marcin Gortat, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danillo Gallinari, Montrez Harrell, Miami’s 2021 pick, 2020 Philly first round pick, and their own 2022 first round pick. If New Orleans is still asking for multiple picks, it seems like they are set up perfectly.
It seems to be highly unlikely AD moves before the trade deadline to the other LA team, but a solid offer from the Clippers would make New Orleans have to at least consider before Thursday.
Fun Fact of the Day: This is the second straight year that the Clippers have traded a star forward immediately after they hit a game winner. Blake Griffin ironically downed the Pelicans before he was traded last season, Tobias defeated Hornets hours before the block buster trade.
Elton Brand and Philadelphia have a plan according to Woj.
The Sixers are budgeting to re-sign and keep a new Big 4, including free agents Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler this summer, league sources tell ESPN. Philadelphia has long-term plans for Harris, Butler, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons together.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2019
Arguably with the addition of Harris, Philly has the best starting five in the Eastern conference. Acquiring one of the most underrated and under-appreciated players in the league after Philly’s discouraging loss to Toronto is exactly what the doctor ordered. After tonight’s loss Brand knew his team needed a shake up.
Fan yelling at Elton Brand, who’s sitting baseline as the #sixers are down 20 to the Raptors. “We’re losing by 20! It’s national TV!” The fan would like the Sixers GM to trade for Nikola Mirotic, if you’re curious.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) February 6, 2019
Tobias Harris is an efficient shooter, terrific in the post, and has more speed than most power forwards in the league. Pairing him with one of the best defensive guards in the game in Jimmy Butler, Harris and Butler might be a solid defensive 1-2 punch with Philly’s young core.
Harris has impeccable mechanics when it comes to his footwork defensively. When engaged defensively Harris is an above average defender and being in the presence of an even stronger back-court should encourage Harris to go as hard on defense as he does on offense. Elton Brand has gone all in, with the east up for grabs it was a bold and smart move to go after a player in Harris who can propel this team through a series with the likes of Milwaukee, Toronto, and Boston.
Boban Marjanovic gives Philly necessary size on their bench for the second half of the season and another solid stretch forward in Mike Scott. Philly is in need of efficient shooting and adding Harris will elevate catch and shoot efficiency. These numbers should give you clarity on the impact of a player like Harris being able to propel Philly into the Finals and give Golden State a run for their money, best case scenario.
This season, Tobias Harris is at an efficient 60% true shooting on 24% shot usage. He's at 64% true shooting above the break. During his Clippers tenure, he made 42% of his 3s and 86% of his free throws. His shooting is an excellent fit with the Sixers. https://t.co/ojmoaD15K9 pic.twitter.com/J6d60USzCH
— Positive Residual (@presidual) February 6, 2019
Time will tell who won this trade, we will have more clarity by April, but until then let’s enjoy the hypothetical scenarios on whether Philadelphia OR Los Angeles would benefit more by April.
