Utah Jazz: Tobias Harris should be in play next summer
By Ryan Aston
LA Clippers forward Tobias Harris, a potential free agent target for the Utah Jazz, looks to be hitting the open market next summer.
For fans looking for blockbuster deals, big-time signings and an influx of new names to the Utah Jazz roster, this summer hasn’t been super exciting. Jazz brass were rather limited in what they could do and, as a result, opted for consistency and continuity in their dealings.
In the end, that could play to the Jazz’s benefit next season. After all, players will be fully integrated from the jump. But a year from now, when the Jazz will have money to spend, they’ll likely explore the market for roster upgrades. And at least one player that could really help them figures to be available.
According to David Aldridge, LA Clippers forward Tobias Harris has balked at a five-year, $80 million extension offer from his team. Without an extension, Harris will hit the market next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Enter the Utah Jazz. Maybe.
Clippers forward @tobias31 turns down $80 million extension offer from team, per sources. Amicable discussions. But he’ll play out final year of his current deal and be UFA next summer, when he’d be eligible for 5 yrs/$188M max from Clips or 4/$145.5 elsewhere.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 22, 2018
If you’ve followed The J-Notes over the years, you know that Harris is a player we’ve been intrigued by. We haven’t exactly gone out on a limb in that regard — in many ways, he’s the prototypical four-man for the modern NBA.
He’d be an especially nice fit for a Jazz squad that features Rudy Gobert down low.
Harris has the kind of offensive versatility that puts opposing defenses in a bind. He has gravity at the 3-point line, which pulls defensive big men away from the basket. From there, he can make it splash from distance or attack the close-out off the dribble and make a play for himself or a teammate.
After moving to Los Angeles last February, he put up 19.3 points, six boards, three assists and just over a steal per game. For the year, he posted a 46-41-83 shooting line.
Obviously, Harris would be the yin to Gobert’s yang with the Jazz; working the perimeter on the sides of the ball while the Stifle Tower locks it down in the paint. And while he could make a mountain of extra cash by staying in La-La Land, there’s reason to believe the Jazz are already on his radar.
In June, Jazz insider David Locke relayed rumblings that Harris was already considering a move to Utah.
Said Locke —
"“I’ve even heard some other names of players, rumors that Tobias Harris would be interested. So it’s suddenly, it’s not outlandish that a player wants to come play here (in Utah).”"
Clearly, this is far from “Harris to Utah confirmed,” but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on over the next year.
Although it’s difficult to imagine the Jazz offering Harris the maximum four-year, $145 million allowable, they could still make him a sizable offer. And if he truly considers the Jazz an option, the pairing could be a boon on the basketball court for both sides.