With the trade rumors circling around him, Tobias Harris certainly wasn’t at all pleased. He was among the highest-paid athletes on the Philadelphia 76ers, although he had been an effective player for the team. Some supporters urged the team to trade him because they suspected he was not deserving all the cash he was making from his deal.
During a radio appearance with a nearby sports station, Harris mocked and made fun of the supporters who were clamoring for his transfer. He said, “Casual Sixers fans, they’ll trade me for a Crumbl Cookie. But at the end of the day, they have to realize, you’re not getting a 6’9″ forward back who can damn near shoot 40% from 3, guard the other team’s best player, shoot, post-up, drive. Play 70+ games a year.” ( h/t via Sports Lens)
The supporters weren’t thrilled with Harris’ remarks. One of the netizens tweeted, “He can’t do any of that either“, insinuating that Tobias was just putting on a bluff. Now that he was labeling them “casual” supporters, they were farther outraged with him than they initially were because of his contract. They created a petition to have Harris exchanged as a result of their indignation, which they vented on social media.
The petition grabbed traction straight away and amassed thousands of signatures in a matter of moments. The 76ers front office felt compelled to respond, stating that they were “disappointed” in Harris’ remarks. They declared that they will “continue to evaluate all of our options” for his future with the team.
He can’t do any of that either
— Justin (@Justin_Kane_) June 27, 2023
“guard the other team’s best player” Siakam makes him shake ASS everytime they play 😭😭😭 https://t.co/JJsJzPv2XV
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 fan (@IanScottie4) June 27, 2023
Timeout I watched tatum give you 51 🤣 @tobias31 and you had TWO points the game prior 🤣🤣🤣 LEAVE MY CITY https://t.co/h2uDXsFAXi
— Black Jesus (@_KazXO) June 27, 2023
Idk why I’m so mad that Philly is requesting so much for Tobias Harris. Who do they think he is? Jarrett Allen, Mobley AND & draft pick? These GMs been pissing me off since that Bradley Beal trade & this trade is a request to fight if you ask me 😂
— Rich Laker (@rich_laker) June 25, 2023
Scottie Barnes was in trade rumours for Kevin Durant.
Evan Mobley is in trade talks for Tobias Harris.
There’s levels to this. https://t.co/TNOgyVhhA2
— Raptors Fan (@OwnedByToronto) June 24, 2023
Embiid literally does all this better than you so you’re very expandable my guy sorry https://t.co/VRYm9Dw6mY
— Black McClung (@gsiDeCHAKA) June 28, 2023
Tobias Harris is never getting traded. https://t.co/mTfYfKaCQB
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) June 25, 2023
listen I think Tobias had an underrated season last year but who do they think he is 😭 https://t.co/NuSLgkEEvx
— Rishi Oza (@RishOza_) June 25, 2023
Harris’ remarks had a terrible reaction. He was just attempting to intimidate his critics, but instead, he incensed them. The 76ers are now more inclined than ever to trade him, and he’ll probably need to accept a wage reduction in order to find a new team.
Will Tobias Harris leave the Philadelphia 76ers?
Tobias Harris might end up leaving the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason. He is owed $39 million and is in the ultimate year of his contract. The Sixers could opt to hold onto him, but they might also elect to deal with him to gain an aspect back in the trade.
The Sixers may want to trade Harris for a couple of various motives. First off, some people feel that his deal is somewhat extravagant for a player who isn’t a superstar. Secondly, his performance hasn’t always been in line with his remuneration. He scored 14.7 points and grabbed 5.7 rebounds per game in 2022–2023. Although those are good figures, they fall short of the expectations the Sixers had for him when they signed his contract.
Additionally, it’s viable that the Sixers will make a significant summer acquisition. Harris could potentially be utilized as a pawn in a deal to get a star player. They would become a substantially superior competitor in the Eastern Conference if they were able to pull that off.
Of course, there are additional factors in favor of the Sixers securing Harris. He is a competent athlete who excels in a variety of roles. He is a capable shooter and defender as well. He might be an important player for the Sixers if they can get him to play more effectively.