NBA Free Agency: Raptors SG Gary Trent Jr. 'Top Priority' for Magic?
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic could use some three-point shooting infused into the roster.
The Magic shot just 34.6 percent from beyond the arc this past season, good enough for 24th in the NBA. Orlando could address the need in free agency, and Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. is one of the best distance shooters on the market this summer.
An NBA executive told Heavy.com that Trent Jr. could be on the Magic's radar this summer.
“He’d be a good bet as their top priority in free agency,” an Eastern Conference executive told Heavy. “But that’s if they want to go all in.”
Trent Jr., 24, averaged 17.4 points last season and has shot 38.4 percent from beyond the three-point line throughout his five-year career with the Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers.
Should the Magic sign him, he would likely replace Gary Harris in the starting lineup. Harris is set to make $13 million this upcoming season, but none of that money is guaranteed. However, there is a dilemma when it comes to Harris' contract.
The money on his deal becomes guaranteed on June 29, days before the start of free agency. The Magic would have to cut him before free agency without knowing if the team will sign a replacement. That's why it would be expected for the Magic to keep Harris and guarantee his contract.
However, Harris' expiring deal could be enticing for a team in a trade, either before the season or ahead of the February deadline. As a three-point shooter with experience and an expiring, affordable contract, Harris could be an attractive trade target for contending teams.
Trent Jr. would be an upgrade over Harris, and the move is feasible. Orlando won't have to conquer too many hurdles to get the deal done, so the Magic should look into it if the opportunity presents itself.
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