When the Philadelphia 76ers made the move to acquire Tobias Harris from the Los Angeles Clippers, it was a powerful one. Not only were they adding Harris to a starting lineup that already featured Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler, creating one of the most fearsome Big 4s in the NBA, but they were also putting themselves in a position to keep Harris in that lineup for the foreseeable future.
Harris has been on a tear since joining the 76ers, averaging 20.6 points per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond. With Embiid finally returning from a prolonged injury in the 76ers win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, Philly is now poised to make a serious run at the NBA Finals, and Harris is open to doing exactly that for years to come, if Philly is willing to make a fair offer.
Harris spoke with The Athletic in a Q&A about his season thus far and the move to Philadelphia and said he’s definitely interested in a long-term deal with the Sixers if they show “loyalty” back.
“It would be selfish of me to not come into this situation with an open mind to make this work for the long-term,” Harris said. “That’s where my mindset is at. I’m a loyal guy to where I am, and if I feel that loyalty back, that is how I operate. For me, it’s just making it work here and figuring out how it will go. So far, it’s been really good. Gotta show that loyalty.”
Harris, who said Philadelphia was a place he was going to consider in free agency anyway, said he was surprised the Clippers wanted to move him after the fantastic season he had put together. But now that he’s in Philly, he’s ready to move forward.
“I want to grow with everybody here,” he said. “I came here with an open mind about this group, and just excel in any role. I know the kind of player I am, what I bring to any team.”
