Tobias Harris, with his $26 million expiring contract, has found himself at the center of numerous trade rumors surrounding the Detroit Pistons. However, a closer examination reveals that his contributions to the team may be undervalued. At 33 years old and set to become an unrestricted free agent at the season’s end, the Pistons will need to think about a long-term successor for him—either from the existing roster or new talent.
Despite the buzz about trading him, the Pistons appear reluctant to part with Harris, who brings significant value as both a player and a leader. Although it seemed logical that they would trade him to maximize value before potentially losing him afterward, the decision is more complex due to the real benefits Harris provides.
His influence on the court extends beyond statistics, as he has become a stabilizing presence for the team. Coach JB Bickerstaff has referred to Harris as the team’s “security blanket,” particularly during stretches when the offense is struggling. Harris has shown he can create his own shot against most defenders while also maintaining a strong shooting performance. Recently, he has made 40 percent of his three-point attempts, averaging 4.5 shots per game. If he continues at this rate, the need for the Pistons to search for a complementary stretch four may decrease.
While fans have speculated about the acquisition of another power forward, targets like Lauri Markkanen would likely require significant roster sacrifices, and he remains one of the few viable options known for his three-point shooting. Harris has consistently averaged 14 points and five rebounds per game, proving he can still perform at a capable level.
Given Harris’s role as both a leader and a scorer, trading him for a player who isn’t a forward could leave the Pistons at a disadvantage, potentially disrupting team cohesion. Notably, Harris stands as the team’s primary power forward, and losing that aspect might be detrimental.
Initially, many anticipated that Harris would be traded before the season’s conclusion, but the dynamics appear to be shifting. There is now a realistic scenario where he completes the season in Detroit, signs a short-term contract, and continues his career with the Pistons.