Tobias Harris was a huge part of the Detroit Pistons’ success last season, and they should be eager to bring him back if the price is right, but if not, should be prepared to move on, which would open up some exciting options.
Harris has been one of the most consistent forwards in the league for 14 seasons and was a security blanket for a young team that often turned to him when they needed a bucket.
He will be an unrestricted free agent after next season and is about to turn 33-years-old, so obviously the Pistons can’t continue to pay him at the rate he is currently getting.
They should have a clear plan in mind for Tobias Harris, and it first starts with numbers.
Tobias Harris’ next contract
Harris is still an impact player who was surprisingly effective as a defender and rebounder in the playoffs. But he’s also on the downside of his career, so the Pistons can’t overpay for a guy who has a lot of miles on his legs.
If they could bring him back on a short deal for a low amount, the Pistons could keep some continuity and his veteran leadership. A two-year deal somewhere in the range of what Simone Fontecchio got could offer the Pistons a team-friendly way to keep Harris.
Anything more than that and the Pistons will likely have to cut bait, which could be the plan at next year’s trade deadline, when his $26 million expiring deal will be needed if the Pistons want to make a big trade.
I’m sure Detroit would love to keep Harris for another season or two, but if his expiring contract is needed, Trajan Langdon won’t hesitate to use it, and there are some interesting players who could be available.
The Pistons have to find a long-term replacement
Even if the Pistons were to bring Harris back, they can’t count on him to continue to play starter’s minutes forever and will need to find a long-term replacement.
Ideally, the Pistons could find an upgrade and keep Harris as a solid backup who could provide consistent scoring punch off the bench.
That may not be possible given his contract situation, but I’m sure these are options that the Pistons are already weighing.
We are going to be hearing a lot about Harris’ expiring contract next season until he is either traded or re-signed, and I wouldn’t be surprised at either outcome.