3 reasons acquiring Tobias Harris makes 76ers new favorites in Eastern Conference

Tobias Harris just made the Philadelphia 76ers that much stronger in the Eastern Conference.

With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, the Philadelphia 76ers decided to get in on the action by making another big move with the Los Angeles Clippers to land star forward Tobias Harris.

Earlier in the season, the Sixers were able to land another superstar to play alongside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves. And while this deal has clearly paid off for Philadelphia so far, this recent deal involving Harris could end up being bigger in the long run.

Along with Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and Mike Scott will be joining the Sixers as well with Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, and Mike Muscala heading to the Clippers.

Also, as part of the deal, Philadelphia will send two future first-round picks along with two second rounders, which sounds like a lot, but also will be worth it in the long run.

Some Sixers fans have every reason to be upset over players like Shamet or Chandler being part of this trade with the Clippers, but deep down, these are the kind of moves that can make a difference when it comes to competing for a title.

In fact, with Harris being the biggest part of this trade for Philadelphia, there are some who are already making the claim the Sixers are now the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.

Obviously, Philadelphia still has a lot to prove to show this claim will eventually turn out to be true, but in honor of Harris officially being part of the picture, here are three reasons labeling the Sixers as the new team to beat in the Eastern Conference doesn’t sound so crazy after all.