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The Run It Back dream died mere seconds into free agency when it was announced JJ Redick had signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the Sixers can still bring back their Big Four, and they have now locked in the third member of last year’s starting lineup, per Woj:
Free agent forward Tobias Harris has agreed to a five-year, $180M contract to return to the Philadelphia 76ers, his agent and father, Torrel Harris of Unique Sports Management, tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
There is no player option included with the deal, and the number comes in slightly less than the approximate $190 million max the Sixers could have offered Harris. The contract reportedly escalates to $41.2 million in the fifth year.
5 years, $180m would have a starting salary of approximately $31.2 million in 2019-20, escalating to $41.2 million in the final year.
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) June 30, 2019
Just 26 years old, Harris certainly carries less risk on a long-term deal than many of the other guys on the market, Jimmy Butler included. His outside shooting is even more vital to the team with JJ Redick set to ply his services in the Big Easy. With Elton Brand having given up a haul to the Clippers in February in exchange for Harris, it never seemed likely that he would let Tobi walk after a few months.
One major item is now crossed off Brand’s list. Next up, Jimmy Butler and continuing to round out the rest of the roster.
Update: Harris conveyed his thoughts on re-signing with Philadelphia in a post on ESPN. Give the whole thing a read, but here was an especially fun excerpt for Sixers fans:
“We’ve got unfinished business, and I’m ready to commit to a long-term vision of bringing a title to Philadelphia. From the moment I arrived in Philadelphia, the city has embraced me. This is an incredible sports town and it’s hungry for an NBA title. So are the Sixers -- and so am I.”