The Philadelphia 76ers are going all-in on this year’s team, while the Los Angeles Clippers are loading up on assets.
The Sixers acquired Tobias Harris in a trade with the Clippers on Tuesday night. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers are receiving Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott from the Clippers. In return, the Clippers are receiving Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala and four picks. The picks are the big part for the Clippers: they’re receiving a 2020 first-rounder, Miami’s unprotected 2021 first-round pick, and two second-round picks (2021 and 2023 per Woj).
Woj says the Clippers wanted the draft picks to attached in other potential trades to entice players who want to join the franchise. Such players include Anthony Davis, who had the Clippers on his list of teams with whom he’d sign long term, and Kristaps Porzingis, who also had the Clippers on his list.
Sixers are loading up with a fourth All-Star caliber player in East, Harris; Now Clippers have one of league's most coveted picks — 2021 Miami 1st — along with 2020 1st — to become players in marketplace when star talents want trades to get to LA. https://t.co/S9eobGtzaX
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 6, 2019
Harris is the headliner for Philly in the trade. He’s blossomed with the Clippers and is averaging 20.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting 49.3 percent from the field. He was a strong All-Star candidate and probably deserved a selection to the reserves. Teaming up with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler will make Philly all the more dangerous this season as they fight Toronto, Boston and Milwaukee in the East.
The Clippers probably felt comfortable dealing Harris because he will be a free agent after the season and already turned down a large extension before the season. Marjanovic is a fan favorite and successful in brief stints on the court. The big man is averaging 6.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Harris, Marjanovic and Scott are all on expiring contracts.
Chandler and Muscala are on expiring contracts, while Shamet, who was a first-round pick last year, is on his rookie deal.
