As NBA free agency rapidly approaches, one Philadelphia 76er has made his intent to stay with the team clear, even if some fans want him dealt.
Amid multiple reports and rumors that he could be traded, Sixers forward Tobias Harris didn’t mince his words Tuesday while speaking at a basketball skills camp and fundraiser at the Wells Fargo Center.
“Trade speculation, you know, casual Sixers fans, they’ll trade me for a Crumbl Cookie,” Harris said. “But at the end of the day, they have to realize that you’re not getting a 6’9” forward back who can damn near shoot 40 percent from three, guard other teams’ best player, shoot, post-up, drive, play 70-plus games a year.”
Although Harris didn’t exactly praise the 76ers’ fans, he remained adamant that he wants to stay with the franchise and is “excited to come back.”
“I believe we have the right talent to be a championship team, and we have the right pieces and the right culture,” Harris added. “With a new coach, I’m excited for what we’re going to bring to the table.”
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Why Tobias Harris could be on his way out
Harris has spent the last four and a half seasons in Philadelphia, but his days could be numbered with NBA free agency set to begin Friday.
Harris is coming off his lowest-scoring year — 14.7 points per game — since the 2015-2016 season, when he was on the Orlando Magic. The 30-year-old is also entering the last season of his five-year, $180 million contract and is set to make over $39 million this upcoming year.
The Sixers will need every dollar they can get to keep their core trio of Joel Embiid, James Harden and Tyrese Maxey intact, so Harris’ cap hit may be higher than what the organization is willing to pay.
Crumbl Cookies responds
Crumbl Cookies’ social media team knows how to take advantage of an opportunity.
In response to Harris’ comment, Crumbl Cookies’ Twitter account said that if Harris stays with the Sixers, “everyone in Philly gets a free Crumbl cookie.”
It’s worth noting that Harris is an ambassador for the popular cookie bakery, which has four locations in the Philadelphia area.
If Harris does stay with the Sixers, Crumbl Cookies may need its ovens hot and ready even more than usual.
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