NBA Draft Rumors: Marcus Smart trade grade, Tobias Harris rumblings, Scoot-Blazers

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers exchange words during the second half in game one of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 01: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics and Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers exchange words during the second half in game one of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at TD Garden on May 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 76ers defeat the Celtics 119-115. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft Rumors, Tobias Harris
May 7, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts after making a three point basket against the Boston Celtics during game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Draft Rumors: 3 teams interested in Tobias Harris

Philadelphia 76ers small forward Tobias Harris is entering the final season of the five-year extension he signed back in 2019. This makes him an attractive trade asset, especially for teams in the lottery willing to trade back. Harris can still score at a relatively high clip, so there’s no real pressure to deal his expiring contract. Daryl Morey and Co. want to win next season, with or without James Harden, and not waste another year of Joel Embiid’s prime.

Per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, three teams stands out for Harris, though the 76ers have high expectations:

"“The Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers have made inquiries about Harris’ availability, according to a source. Looking to add a veteran player, the Pacers are showing the most interest in the 10-year veteran. However, another source said the Sixers will only make a deal that would be hard to pass up. As a result, teams around the league believe the Sixers are overvaluing Harris and asking for “outrageous packages in return,” sources say.”"

The 76ers have a complicated offseason ahead, and trading Harris would arguably make it harder. Harris fits new head coach Nick Nurse’s system well, and provides some punch as a third or fourth option.

Philly’s largest looming question is what to do with Harden. The Sixers aren’t willing to hinder their long-term future by giving Harden a large contract that will pay him into his late-30’s. The Houston Rockets are rumored to have interest in a Harden reunion, as well.