The San Antonio Spurs just made their first big splash of the summer, and it just made their already loaded rotation even deeper. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, former Pistons center Tobias Harris is set to sign a two-year contract with the Spurs for $31 million.
After going 62-20 in the regular season and losing in the NBA Finals, San Antonio did not need any major changes, but this addition provides a spark on defense while adding depth at the forward position. Harris, 33, isn’t a star, but he’s still someone who can help the Spurs as a versatile scorer and shooter with career averages of 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 47.8% shooting and 36.6% shooting from three.
“Detroit will always mean something to him, both times he wore the uniform,” said Harris’ agent, Torrel Harris, in a statement. “He’s proud of the mark he left in Detroit and leaves with nothing but gratitude.”
Unfortunately for San Antonio, they will have to use their entire mid-level exception to sign Harris, putting them just $4.6 million under the luxury tax line. That means any further moves will likely be veteran minimum signings. Fortunately, their roster is already pretty stacked between Victor, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, De’Aaron Fox, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie.
Meanwhile, in Detroit, the loss of Harris (who averaged 18.1 points per game in the playoffs) is yet another blow to a Pistons squad that’s been losing so much ground. Despite finishing first in the East standings, it’s been nothing but disappointing ever since, starting with a second-round loss to the Cavaliers in the playoffs. Then, extension talks with Jalen Duren broke down, inciting fear that he might force his way out. That’s not to mention the Isaiah Stewart trade early in the summer, which only brought back second-round picks.
If the Pistons don’t find replacements for those that they lost, it’s going to be hard to see them match their pace from the 2025-26 season. For now, there’s still time, but they must act quickly before all the best players are off the board.
Of course, the Harris signing is also a blow to the Lakers, who had a noted interest in the veteran swingman. While they’ve made some moves this summer, many fans still feel the Lakers need more shooting, especially after losing Rui Hachimura. In many ways, Harris was an ideal replacement, but they will have to go on without him.
Now, with Harris set to join the West’s newest contenders, the story is all about how the Spurs can build off last year’s Finals appearance. At this stage of the timeline, you can’t expect Tobias to play a massive role, but he’s approaching $330 million in career earnings for a reason, and he’s never been in a better position to succeed.
If he can provide consistent shooting and floor spacing on the wing, it will make life much easier for Victor Wembanyama, allowing him to operate with much more effectiveness. For the Spurs, it might be the key piece they need to take the final step as NBA champions. At the very least, it will improve their depth and flexibility, making them a harder matchup against any opponent.
