Harris, Horford signings become official
The news that Tobias Harris was returning to the 76ers and that Al Horford was joining the club as a free agent has been out there for more than a week.
Wednesday, the team made it official with the announcement that both players had signed multi-year deals.
According to published reports, Harris signed a five-year, $180 million contract to remain with the team that acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Signing Tobias and solidifying him as a foundational piece of our core for years to come was a top priority for our organization this summer,” general manager Elton Brand said in a statement released by the team. “His impact in our city extends far beyond his elite talents on the floor. He has ingrained himself in the community and established himself as a leader and driver of positive change.
Horford inked a fouryear, $97 million deal that could pay him as much as $109 million, according to published reports.
“We’re excited to welcome one of the NBA’s best frontcourt players in Al Horford to Philadelphia,” Brand said. “He has built his reputation around hard work and a tradition of winning, which are the same qualities that have formed the foundation of the 76ers.”
The 6-9 Harris averaged 18.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 27 games with the 76ers. Overall, the 26-year-old small forward played in 82 games and averaged career highs in points (20.0), rebounds (7.9) and assists (2.8) while shooting 39.7 percent from 3-point range and 48.7 percent overall.
Harris was the fourth offensive option on a team that included Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler and Ben Simmons he was acquired from the Clippers. His role is expected to increase with the loss of Butler and J.J. Redick to free agency.
“Tobias is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic and embodies all of the qualities of a franchise cornerstone,” Brand said. “I couldn’t be happier to welcome Tobias and his entire family back to the 76ers and we all look forward to continuing our quest to win a championship for this city and our amazing fans.”
The 6-10 Horford appeared in 68 games for the Boston Celtics last season and averaged 13.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 blocks per game. For his career, he has averaged 14.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks.
Horford is a proven veteran to play power forward next to Embiid and play center when Embiid is out of the game or being rested for load management. He has been in the league for 12 years and made the playoffs in each of those seasons. Horford is a five-time All-Star, four with the Atlanta Hawks and once with the Celtics.
“Al’s playmaking, elite defensive talents and veteran leadership confirm why he is a crucial addition to our roster,” Brand said. “We have gained a championship-level teammate that will not only complement our current makeup, but will help grow our young core as we strive for the highest level of success.”