Knicks reportedly discussing Tobias Harris’ potential trade
The New York Knicks have a link to nearly every big-name player that has entered the trade market. They aim to pool all their draft assets and young players to sign two superstars and start contending for a championship. In this context, and according to the source, it’s a bit odd that “the Knicks had internally discussed the idea of trading for Tobias Harris before their winning streak began.”
Sixers forward Harris is sure to be paid as much as a superstar. He is in the fourth year of a five-year max contract that the Philadelphia 76ers have been unable to trade. Harris is by no means an albatross, but his numbers hardly warrant such a huge deal. He’s averaging 16.7 points this season, about half as much as teammate Joel Embiid’s 33.1, even though he’s earning less than Harris.
Some teams may need to pay attention to this. Immoral contracts are a market inefficiency. Both Al Horford and Andrew Wiggins consider overpaid before joining their current teams. They ended up being critical players for last season’s Finals opponents. If a lousy contract is attached to the right player, it’s usually worth it.
But the problem for the New York Knicks is that Harris is in a position they’ve already established. Harris is a shot-first combo forward. The Knicks have Julius Randle & RJ Barrett. Harris will likely have to come off the bench to play unless one of them is in a trade. That seems unlikely, given that the Knicks were hesitant to offer Barrett to Donovan Mitchell, & Randle’s contract is more extended & more demanding than Harris’.
The Knicks could offer Evan Fournier & Derrick Rose matching salaries. Still, neither would be a good fit for the Sixers, who might prefer a forward like Harris with James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Shake Milton, and Matisse. Salary through Thybulle has stood guard. If those contracts expire, Philly might consider such a move, but they’ll also be paying Fournier next year, so the swap’s financial value is also relatively limited.
Knicks’ recent winning streak may have changed its mind about pursuing Harris. The Knicks are playing very well to be picky about trade targets. But Harris doesn’t mean much to them at any point this season. It was just filing under rumors that don’t make much sense.
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