Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris has been gaining significant interest from the New York Knicks.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks viewed Harris as a potential trade target to look into before they went skyrocketing with their eight-game win streak.
The Knicks’ lengthy win skid was halted by the Sixers this Sunday Christmas Day, with Harris only chipping eight markers in the 4-of-10 shooting. As such, Begley noted that head coach Tom Thibodeau gave high praise to the veteran before the duel, which may suggest their rumored intentions for him.
“The Knicks at least talked internally about the idea of acquiring Tobias Harris via trade before their winning streak started. … Tom Thibodeau spoke highly of him before the game, so that’s one name to keep an eye on,” Begley said (h/t B/R’s Doric Sam).
Within the Sixers camp, Harris has been the most trade rumor-prone player since he inked a five-year, $180 million contract with the club last 2019 offseason. Despite this hefty salary load, Begley noted that the wingman was being discussed by the Knicks before blazing for their last win mark.
“Specifically to Harris, I know that he does have some fans in the organization,” Begley added. “He’s making a lot of money, it would be a big trade to pull off salary-wise, but it’s at least something the Knicks have kicked around internally prior to this past winning streak.”
After a sluggish start, New York is continuing to defy the odds as they are now a top-six team in the East with an 18-16 record. As such, acquiring Harris can at least give them another push for a much higher conference standing.
With plenty of tradeable assets available like Evan Fournier, the Knicks may work a potential deal, but it only goes down if the Sixers would be willing to entertain a transaction to let go of their reliable offensive presence at the wing – while partnering a deal with a conference opponent.
If Philly intends not to retain Harris – who will hit a contract year next 2023-24 – then a potential trade can only be logical to seize his value.
