Spurs might have made the best signing of the free agency period

The San Antonio Spurs agreed to a two-year deal with Tobias Harris that might just have been the best signing of free agency. There is still a ways to go, but the Spurs got a proven scorer on the mid-level exception after Harris made north of $25 million per season for eight straight years. The 6’8 forward checks all the boxes for San Antonio. He spaces the floor, helps his team win, and is comfortable filling whatever role necessary.

The veteran spent the last two seasons with the Pistons as he helped them transform from rebuilding into one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Harris averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in 27.7 minutes per game last season. He shot 46.9 percent from the field and 36.8 percent on his 3-point attempts. The Pistons had a plus-10.1 net rating with Harris on the floor, and fans saw him boost his production in the playoffs.

The Spurs just reached the NBA Finals. They were searching for a versatile forward who helps them in the playoffs. Getting Harris for just $15.5 million per year was a bargain that should help push San Antonio to the top of the title conversation.

Spurs stole Tobias Harris in free agency

Harris was clowned for years for not living up to the max contract he signed with the 76ers in 2019. All he did for Philadelphia was average 17.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.8 steals as they made six straight playoff appearances and won four playoff series. The veteran wasn't a superstar, but he was a quality role player that helped the team win.

The Spurs don’t need a star. They have Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. They are looking for some size, scoring, and floor spacing. Harris can attack off the dribble and get to his mid-range pull-up. He will keep the offense flowing and gives San Antonio a veteran to turn to when times get tough.

Harris is an upgrade over Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes. Spurs fans will see less of the reigning Sixth Man of the Year in favor of Harris’ more versatile game. The newest Spur is comfortable playing off the ball or upping his workload if teams are selling out to stop Wemby.

The 33-year-old will make life easier on the Spurs superstar. Wembanyama is the best defender in the world. He can afford to do a bit less offensively with Harris in town, which should only make his defense pop more.

San Antonio wants to win a championship. They wisely grabbed a talented veteran on a below-market-value contract. The rich got richer. Harris was just ranked as the 86th best player in the NBA by The Ringer. He took the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception to join the Spurs in hopes of winning a ring. This deal was a win-win.

The San Antonio Spurs may have just made the best signing of the free agency period by getting Tobias Harris on the MLE. Nobody is convincing a better player to switch teams at that price. The Spurs added a quality rotation piece that should help them chase a title. It was perfect.

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