Report: 76ers talked Harris trade with OKC

The Philadelphia 76ers have had trade conversations with the Oklahoma City Thunder regarding forward Tobias Harris, sources told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.

While the potential deal's framework is unclear, there have been whispers about completing the transaction before Thursday's trade deadline as a salary-cap dump, Pompey reports.

Oklahoma City has previously used its abundance of cap space to take on lucrative contracts as long as the other team has provided draft compensation. In October 2020, the Thunder acquired Al Horford with the remainder of his $109-million contract and a 2025 first-round draft pick from Philadelphia in exchange for Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green, and Vincent Poirier.

Harris is in the third season of a 5-year, $180-million contract. Moving Harris' salary is necessary if the 76ers want to sign Brooklyn Nets star James Harden outright. The former MVP can become a free agent this summer if he declines his $47.4-million player option for 2022-23.

The 29-year-old is averaging 19.1 points, 7.3 boards, and 3.8 assists over 45 appearances this campaign.