According to reports, the Dallas Mavericks just lost Derrick Jones Jr. in NBA free agency. Jones is no star, but he was an integral piece to the Mavs’ recent NBA Finals run. The 6-foot-5 small forward will now be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers after reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal worth $30 million.
One player who could fill the void left by Jones is Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, who appears to be set on leaving Philly via free agency.
Dallas Mavericks Linked to Tobias Harris
The Mavs, however, could have their work cut out for them if they want to bring Harris to Dallas. According to Sixers reporter Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Mavs will need to contend with at least three other teams in the market:
“The Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks were among the teams expressing interest in the 13-year veteran, according to a source. The Mavs would have to land Harris via a sign-and-trade,” Pompey wrote.
Dallas’ path is also a bit more complicated as compared to the Pistons, the Jazz, and the Spurs, given the Mavs’ salary cap constraints.
The Sixers are determined to land Paul George, which means that Harris should be on his way out. A reunion with the Pistons would probably appeal to the 31-year-old, but a move to San Antonio to play alongside Victor Wembanyama would be an attractive option, too.
It comes as no surprise that Harris is garnering interest from multiple teams, but there’s no doubt that he’s going to have to take a significant pay cut from the $180 million deal he signed with the Sixers five years ago.
