The start of the 2022-23 NBA season has been a rocky one for the Philadelphia 76ers. They are off to a 7-7 start as they are navigating the absence of James Harden, who strained tendons in his foot that will keep him sidelined for at least a month.
The team has gone 3-2 thus far without him and other players have stepped up in his absence. One of those players has been Tobias Harris. Harris has seen his opportunities increase without Harden in the lineup, becoming the third option on the team with him sidelined.
In the five games Harden has missed, Harris is averaging 17 points per game, an increase on his season average of 14.7. However, as the 76ers plan for the remainder of the season, Harris’ name has come up in trade talks.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Philadelphia has already begun its canvassing of the league for potential trade partners. Harris has been the name that has come up most frequently thus far.
“76ers officials have begun their usual check-ins with teams across the league ahead of the Dec. 15 date for players who signed contracts in the offseason to be traded, when trade talks begin to intensify. Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris has come up in the 76ers’ conversations with clubs so far, league sources said.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
This isn’t too surprising as Harris’ name was also involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason. Many presumed that Daryl Morey would have to unload him to upgrade the roster in the fashion he was seeking, but Harden taking a significant pay cut enabled Morey to go out and add players while keeping Harris in the fold.
After Harden was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets last season, Harris had his role changed drastically as he moved down the pecking order for shot attempts. He never complained once, as The Athletic also touched on how much of a consummate professional and model teammate he has been.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tobias Harris & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
He is averaging only 12.4 shots per game thus far this season, which would be his lowest number since the 2015-16 season when he played for the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons. Harris has bought in, willing to play any role that helps the team win.
