The Miami Heat are facing limited salary cap flexibility this offseason. However, despite this challenge, one of the most adept front offices in the NBA has historically managed to work wonders during the summer months for roster construction.
According to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report on June 29, the Heat have identified former Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris as their “top trade target” as the free agency period commences, despite his previous five-year, $180 million contract with Philadelphia.
While Harris’s departure from the Philadelphia 76ers was tumultuous, versatile forwards with the ability to hold their own defensively, excel at shooting from beyond the arc, and create scoring opportunities for themselves usually command significantly more than the mini mid-level exception ($5.2 million).
It’s important to note that Miami might not be in a position to offer Harris even that much. This is due to the impending unrestricted free agency of Haywood Highsmith and Caleb Martin (with a player option). Retaining just Martin alone could push the Heat beyond the second apron.
It’s highly unlikely that Harris’s value has plummeted to the extent that he would consider accepting a minimum deal. However, the Heat could try to entice him with the prospect of a prominent role and the opportunity to restore his long-term value. Failing that, if he is open to signing for the mini mid-level exception, the Heat have various avenues they can explore to ensure that it becomes available.
Heat Have Historically Bested Tobias Harris, 76ers During His Time in Philadelphia
Harris spent six years playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, during which he maintained an average of 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, while shooting at a rate of 36.9% from three-point range on 4.1 attempts per game, as per Basketball Reference.
Miami defeated Harris and the 76ers in six games during the 2022 playoffs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This marked the only postseason encounter between the two teams during Harris’s six-year tenure in Philadelphia.
Despite this, the Miami Heat often emerged victorious when facing off against Harris and the 76ers. Over the last 10 meetings between the teams, Miami held a 10-8 record against Philadelphia. Furthermore, Harris’s performance against the Heat fell below his typical season and career averages in points and rebounds during their matchups with the Sixers.
In his last 10 games against Miami, spanning back to May 2022, Harris averaged only 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. The ongoing attention surrounding Philadelphia, due to the presence of Joel Embiid and a series of other high draft picks who came and went from the team, including Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, has contributed to a rivalry between the two cities.
In this aspect, the Heat have had the upper hand, securing three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals appearances over the last five years, while the 76ers have failed to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs during the same period.
Jimmy Butler’s Future With Heat Up in Air After Failed Extension Talks
While Miami Heat fans may harbor strong negative feelings towards the Philadelphia 76ers, their supporters, and their current and former players, it would be unwise to outright dismiss Harris as a potential asset for Miami—provided the franchise can navigate their challenging financial situation heading into the 2024-25 season to bring him on board.
Team president Pat Riley has explicitly stated that trading Jimmy Butler is not being considered, despite the impasse in contract extension negotiations. Butler recently halted discussions by expressing his decision not to commit to a new deal with any team until the following summer.
At that juncture, Butler will have the option to opt out of the final year of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, potentially leading to the Heat losing their top player without gaining any compensation. If the Heat anticipate this likelihood, it wouldn’t be surprising if Riley changes his stance and seeks to trade Butler either during this offseason or before next season’s trade deadline.
Harris is unlikely to remain unsigned in the coming weeks, but if the Heat manage to remove Butler’s substantial nearly $49 million salary from their books before Harris secures a deal, it could open up the possibility of acquiring Harris.
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