Utah Jazz expected to pursue Tobias Harris this offseason, as they should

The Utah Jazz will reportedly be in the mix of teams looking to add Tobias Harris in this summer’s free agency. But doing so will be a difficult task.

It’s no secret that this upcoming offseason is bound to be a monumental one for the Utah Jazz. With the flexibility to create a max contract, should they have the opportunity to sign somebody to one, and the desperate need to add another playmaker to their ranks, the decisions they make during the draft, free agency and in the trade market could determine their destiny for the next half-decade or more.

With such being the case, there are a number of free agent names that have been thrown around by Jazz fans and knowledgeable media members alike that would be desirable for Utah to add. You’ve surely heard them – the likes of Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton, Nikola Mirotic, Malcolm Brogdon and so on and so forth. Some are realistic, others likely not so much, but the fact of the matter is that there will be no shortage of intriguing options this summer.

Among those names that have been frequently repeated, one that also most definitely stands out is that of Philadelphia 76ers standout stretch-four Tobias Harris. Harris has long appeared like a riveting fit in Utah due to his size allowing him to defend the four, his shot-making ability that stretches the floor and his knack for creating his own shot.

Pairing a playmaking power forward such as Harris alongside Rudy Gobert could be revolutionary as the Stifle Tower has never had such a dynamic player next to him at that position. Harris would add an additional scorer capable of going off for 20-plus each night and would fill a glaring hole in the Jazz’s offense.

With such being the case, it would come as little surprise if he were high on Utah’s list of potential targets this summer. And it just so happens that in a recent report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and several other sources, it was confirmed that the Jazz are indeed expected to pursue the Sixers star.

They won’t be alone in that pursuit as the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies are also among the teams reportedly set to make a hard push for Harris. And I’m sure the list is far from over there, as several teams will have reason to seek Tobias’ services.

Nevertheless, that by no means signifies that he will be an easy get, not just for the Jazz but for any of them. Harris currently finds himself in a pretty exceptional opportunity with a loaded Sixers team that is undoubtedly in the ring as a potential Finals contender. Playing alongside the likes of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler, the third-seeded Sixers are among the East’s elite and it may be hard for any of the teams pursuing him to convince him they’d provide a better situation.

Tobias was even quoted saying the following, indicating his loyalty and desire to stay with the Sixers should everything work out well–

"“It would be selfish of me to not come into this situation with an open mind to make this work for the long term. That’s where my mindset is at. I’m a loyal guy to where I am, and if I feel that loyalty back, that is how I operate. For me, it’s just making it work here and figuring out how it will go. So far, it’s been really good. Gotta show that loyalty.”"

In other words, considering that Philly expressed so much belief in him by trading for him and that he’s in a pretty sweet situation, the Jazz or any other team for that matter may have a hard time prying him away. Back when Harris was with the LA Clippers, I actually kind of liked Utah’s chances of landing him in free agency. The Clips were bound to make big changes in the offseason which could leave Tobias on the outside looking in and he allegedly had expressed interest in joining the Jazz in the past.

Now, though, his position in Philly could make things tough for Utah. That’s especially true if the Sixers exceed expectations this year, such as overcoming their early playoff deficit to the Toronto Raptors and advancing another round or two.

Then there’s the other option where the Sixers are potentially stopped short in the second round, Philly’s chemistry falls apart and Harris begins to wonder if there’s really room for him on such a loaded team as currently constructed. If Harris begins to question how far Philly can really take him or if it’s actually the best situation for him, that’s where he may start to consider looking elsewhere.

The player to really keep an eye on as it relates to Tobias is fellow free agent Jimmy Butler. There’s been some question about the two co-existing and about Butler being an ideal teammate. Therefore, if he stays it could drive Harris to think about going to where he can shine. Or if he leaves, Harris may wonder if the Sixers will truly be title contenders without him.

On the flip side, perhaps if Butler stays, Harris will want to continue to be a part of this stacked and talented team. Or if Butler leaves, maybe Harris will relish in the chance to enjoy an even greater role with Philly.

In other words, it’s hard to know what exactly is in either Harris or Butler’s head. And the way things pan out in their current series against the Toronto could have a far-reaching impact.

On the Jazz’s side, the player most affected by a Tobias Harris pursuit is undoubtedly Derrick Favors. In order for the Jazz to add a max contract, which Harris would likely command, they’d have to decline their team option on the second year of Favors’ contract. This would be a hard blow for Jazz fans who have come to love D-Favs, but might make sense in terms of a dire need the Jazz have at the power forward position.

If the Jazz were indeed to add Harris, he’d need to put a major emphasis on improving his defense. With Gobert having his back, he’d have some leeway, but in order to fit Utah’s mold, his effort and execution on that end would have to reach another level.

There’s no denying that his 20 points per game on 48.7 percent shooting from the floor and 39.7 percent from deep that he posted this year (43.4 percent while in LA) would be an amazing asset for the Jazz and are a big reason why I believe they absolutely have to swing for the fences with him. But he’ll need to commit on both ends to truly fill the ‘missing piece’ void.

This summer is bound to be a big one for the Jazz. And it’s hard to know whether or not their potential Harris pursuit has any real substance or if it’s just a nice thought. Either way, he’s a talent the Jazz absolutely should be going after with all they’ve got. If Philly is quickly bounced in round two and/or if the Sixers players appear to butt heads, one would have to think that would help Utah’s chances so they can’t ignore the opportunity.

But would bringing him in on a large contract while also saying au revoir to Derrick Favors be worth it? Outside of merely trying to make a case for Harris to come in the first place, that’s the other large decision resting in the lap of Dennis Lindsey and the rest of Jazz brass. Adding Tobias Harris is an intriguing option, but it’s also one that presents difficult decisions.

Such appears primed to be the epitome of the 2019 Utah Jazz offseason.