Tobias Harris could make for a great fall back option for the Phoenix Suns
By Kyle Manthe
Phoenix Suns fans have their sights set on the stars this summer. The reality is that a splashy move in highly unlikely. If those options fall through, then the Suns will need to find veterans non-stars to fill their needs. This is why Ryan McDonough should be calling the Las Angeles Clippers about Tobias Harris.
The Los Angeles Clippers are at an awkward place this summer. Their roster is filled with a collection of quality veterans that together can get between 35-40 wins. On top of that, they also own two picks in the lottery at numbers 12 and 13. With an infusion of young talent on the way, and little to no chance of competing for the playoffs for a while, the Clippers could be looking to trade off some of their current core in exchange for future assets.
One player that could slide into the starting lineup next season regardless of if the Suns choose a center or point guard at number one is Tobias Harris.
Harris has already been rumored to be involved in trade packages for Kawhi Leonard. He is coming off a season where he averaged 18.6 points 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game on 46% shooting for the Pistons and Clippers. He also made an appearance in the 3-point shootout then shot 41% for the season.
Harris is due to make 14.8 million next season which is also the final season of his contract. The price is reasonable but the contract length could lower the price a bit. With two first round picks already in hand, and a hope to use those picks to trade into the top-10, the Clippers could be looking for assets to package multiple picks to move up, or to help build a new generation of Clippers talent through the 2018 draft.
There are several different trade options for each scenario that could look like the following:
This first trade package would be more desirable for the Clippers if they choose to package multiple picks to trade up in the draft this year. Due to receiving the best draft pick out of the two deals, they will also have to take on Brandon Knight‘s contract for the extra year.
In this scenario the Clippers are holding onto their two lottery picks this year and therefore it is more useful for their assets to convey in the future. They will also get Jared Dudley‘s contract to even out the salaries. Dudley’s contract expires after this upcoming season so it will not hinder their future growth. Lastly they get the 59th pick, just because.
For the Suns, they will get someone who can fill their void at power forward with a soon-to-be 26-year-old and a prolific 3-point shooter. Harris has also been producing at a high level for teams that are actively trying to make the postseason. If Deandre Ayton is the team’s center next season, Harris will spread the floor and maximize Ayton’s offensive potential. If McDonough surprises everyong, and selects Luka Donic, Harris is a perfect pick and pop option for the rookie guard that can score in many ways.
The risk with this trade is that Harris may leave after his contract is up. The hope is that Harris will enjoy his time in Phoenix and want to re-sign with the young up-and-coming team. If that is not the case, then Phoenix only loses out on one first round pick and will have a lot of cap space to use next summer.
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Although this move may not attract a tremendous amount of headlines, it is the type of trade that is more easy to envision happening this summer.
The Phoenix Suns need to add veteran players who can contribute right away and who will also not break the bank. In their current position it is well worth risking one first round pick on the chance of getting an under the radar true stretch-four to stick around as the young core gets better.