With the NBA trade deadline just a day away, it’s that time of the year when NBA rumors and reporters are occupying most of our Twitter timelines. The biggest name attached to the Oklahoma City Thunder so far in these discussions has been Philadelphia 76ers’ Tobias Harris.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers and Thunder have had talks about a Tobias Harris trade as the former tries to acquire Brooklyn Nets star James Harden before Thursday’s deadline:
“Sources also confirmed that the Sixers have had conversations with the Oklahoma City Thunder about Tobias Harris. A person close to the Sixers downplayed the discussions, saying the Thunder are just one of several teams with available cap space that have inquired about taking in salary in exchange for draft picks. The person says Harris has nothing to be concerned about.”
The Thunder currently have the lowest payroll in the league this season at $78.5 million. The NBA’s salary floor this season is at $101.2 million. Harris’ 2021-22 salary is $36 million.
The 76ers currently have the eight highest payroll in the league at $144.9 million. So in order to acquire Harden’s $44.3 million salary — along with a potential massive extension he could sign this summer if he declines his $47.4M player option — means that the 76ers need to shed some massive salary to make the money work for a trade or outright signing.
Getting rid of Harris’ contract — as he is owed $76.9 million over the next two seasons — will go a long way into making that a reality. And the Thunder are one of the few teams who could absorb that type of contract. But unless the Thunder are offered several unprotected/lightly protected first-round picks, I have a hard time seeing this happen. Adding Harris to the books would limit the Thunder’s cap flexibilities for the next two offseasons.
Not only that, but Harris himself is a fine player. The 29-year-old is currently averaging 19.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three in 45 games this season. Adding a capable scorer and shooting to this team could really hamper its lottery odds as the team continues to find ways to compete and even win games they have no business in.
With the NBA trade deadline just a little over 24 hours away, we will soon find out if the Thunder are willing to be dance partners to make Harden to the 76ers work by taking in one of the worst contracts in the league if enough picks are there to entice them.