The Celtics are reportedly one of two top suitors for Tobias Harris
The Boston Celtics are after a star this summer, but if they can't land one, the next best thing is to grab a player right before he becomes one. Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris is a perfect candidate, and the Celtics are reportedly interested in extending him an offer sheet, per Real GM's Shams Charania:
"As Orlando restricted free agent Tobias Harris will pursue a maximum-level offer sheet on July 1 that the Magic possibly won’t match, the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have emerged as leading candidates for the talented forward, league sources told RealGM. Harris, 22, is among the top young players on the available market, and could be the most vulnerable restricted free agent to leave his team. Around the NBA, several teams are believed to be open to preparing a near-max contract for Harris — which could approach $15 million-plus per season, an area the Magic likely elect not to match given the course of extension talks last October and their current team salary structure."
Is Harris worth a max contract? In Boston the answer is most definitely yes. He's a young, versatile stretch four who'd fit perfectly in a depleted frontcourt. Brad Stevens would almost exclusively play him at power forward (as opposed to the three, where he was out of place in Orlando), opening things up for his athleticism on offense.
With the cap spiking next summer, now is the time to strike. The Celtics can't afford to swing and miss on everybody, especially Harris.
(h/t: Real GM)
Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
