The Detroit Pistons, with a record of 6-43, currently hold the unenviable title of having the worst record in the NBA. Throughout the entire season, the team has faced consistent struggles in their quest for victories. Under the leadership of head coach Monty Williams in his inaugural season, they have endured several difficult losses during the 2023-24 campaign. As the NBA trade deadline approaches this Thursday, the Pistons have reportedly shown interest in acquiring a veteran player who previously played for their franchise.
According to James L. Edwards III from The Athletic, the Pistons are closely monitoring Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris. Harris, who spent three and a half seasons with the Pistons before being traded to the LA Clippers, is now a player of interest for Detroit. However, the 76ers may have set a high asking price for the 31-year-old, especially considering the potential absence of their MVP Joel Embiid due to a knee injury. It remains uncertain whether the Pistons are willing to offer enough to secure Harris before the trade deadline.
Tobias Harris has been a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers over the past six seasons. As the 2023-24 season comes to a close, Harris is set to become an unrestricted free agent. The struggling Detroit Pistons have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Harris before the trade deadline, as they are in dire need of veteran leadership within their roster, an element that has been lacking throughout the current season.
While the Pistons are keen on acquiring Harris, parting ways with him may prove difficult for the Sixers. With Joel Embiid recently re-injuring his knee and requiring surgery, his absence will leave a significant void in the team’s offense, as he has been averaging an impressive 35.3 points per game. In this context, Tobias Harris has the opportunity to step up as the secondary offensive option for the Sixers, following Tyrese Maxey. Considering the stage of the season, the Pistons would need to present an exceptionally enticing trade offer to pique the Sixers’ genuine interest in parting with Harris.
According to a report by JLEdwardsIII, the Detroit Pistons “remain interested” in acquiring Tobias Harris before the trade deadline. However, there is a growing sentiment that the Pistons are more likely to pursue Harris during the summer, utilizing their available cap space. This approach would allow them to potentially secure Harris in free agency, rather than through a trade.
Given Joel Embiid’s injury and the Sixers’ reliance on Harris’ production in his absence, a trade for Harris would have been more favorable for the Pistons if Embiid were healthy. However, this is not the case, and the Sixers now have a genuine need for Harris’ contributions. Consequently, if the Pistons aim to add a veteran presence to their roster before the trade deadline, it would be in their best interest to explore alternative options. They may have a better chance of signing Harris during the offseason in free agency.