Sixers Face Max Contract Dilemma, Harris On Mavericks, Nuggets' Radar

The Philadelphia 76ers could be the big losers in this year’s free agency as they face the prospect of losing two stars, namely, Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler. The duo will become unrestricted free agents on June 30 and the franchise faces tough decisions with regard to offering max contracts to both players.

According to 94WIP Radio, the Sixers are planning to offer Harris a contract less than the max five-year $190 million deal he is eligible for, which could see the forward take his services elsewhere. Philadelphia are the only team that can offer him a five-year deal while any other interested team can only offer him a four-year deal in the region of $140 million.

The report claims that the 76ers’ reluctance will see Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets swoop in and make max contract offers to Harris. The Sixers only acquired the forward via a trade in February along with Boban Markovic and Mike Scott from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Harris is a bit of a traveler having played for five different teams in his eight years in the NBA. It looks like he will be on the move again, but this time he could put down some roots with one of his suitors by signing a long-term deal. He averaged 18.2 points and 7.9 rebounds in 27 games played for the Philadelphia franchise.

The 26-year-old is considered one of the elite shooters in the league, shooting over 39 percent from beyond the arc in each of his last two seasons. The Brooklyn Nets are also said to be interested in Harris, but they are currently focused on bigger free agents like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Meanwhile, Sixers general manager Elton Brand is preparing for the tough decisions in free agency with the franchise also keen to retain Butler, who is also seeking max five-year deal. He was also acquired via trade during the 2018-19 campaign from Minnesota Timberwolves and averaged 18.2 points in 55 games played.

However, they are not guaranteed to retain Butler with the shooting guard/small forward said to be keen to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles with the Lakers. The Houston Rockets are also interested in Butler and are said to be pushing the Sixers toward a sign-and-trade deal.