Ex-76ers $180 Million Wing Dubbed Heat’s ‘Top Target’ in….

Although the Miami Heat don’t have a lot of financial freedom this offseason, one of the NBA’s top front offices has proven to be a magical force during the roster-building summer months.

Even though Tobias Harris is coming off of a five-year, $180 million contract in Philly, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report designated the former forward as Miami’s “top trade target” when the league’s free agency period opens on June 29.

Though his time with the Philadelphia 76ers wasn’t without controversy, combo forwards who possess the ability to score their own baskets, hit threes, and hold their own defensively usually command far more money than the small mid-level exception ($5.2 million).

Not that Miami could really be able to offer Harris all that much. Caleb Martin (player option) and Haywood Highsmith are scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency. Martin alone himself might propel the Heat into the second apron. Harris’ stock hasn’t fallen to the point where a minimum offer is acceptable, no way in hell. However, maybe Miami may persuade him with a somewhat prominent role and the opportunity to rehabilitate his longer-term worth. If not, will he be willing to sign for

Throughout his time in Philadelphia, the Heat have historically defeated the 76ers and Tobias Harris.

According to Basketball Reference, Harris played for six years in Philadelphia, where he averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.0 steals a game while shooting 36.9% on 4.1 attempts from beyond the arc.

In six games during the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2022 playoffs, Miami defeated Harris and the 76ers. It was the lone postseason meeting between the two clubs in Harris’ six-year tenure in Philadelphia. Nevertheless, when the Heat faced the 76ers, Harris was frequently defeated. In their past ten encounters, Miami had a 10-8 record versus Philly. In contrast, Harris’s performance against the Heat was far below his career and season norms in terms of rebounds and points when playing the Sixers.

Harris has only averaged 13.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in his last 10 games versus Miami, dating back to May 2022. There is a rivalry between the two cities as a result of the ongoing hoopla surrounding Philly because of Joel Embiid and a number of other high lottery picks who came, faded, and eventually left the City of Brotherly Love (Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, to name two).

In that aspect, the Heat have prevailed against the Sixers, who haven’t advanced past the second round of the playoffs in the last five years despite three trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals berths.