NBA Trade Rumors: Gary Harris Leaving Magic?

Magic wing Gary Harris could be an appealing trade target for NBA title contenders to pursue while he's on an expiring salary for the 2023-24 season.

Author:
Grant Afseth
Publish date:
Jul 29, 2023 9:00 AM EDT

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Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic is expected to improve next season after a 34-48 finish to the 2022-23 season. With plenty of young talent continuing to develop along with the addition of Anthony Black in the 2023 NBA Draft, there are plenty of factors that would suggest improvement during the upcoming season.

While the Magic should be better in 2023-24, there is still a ways to go before reaching the status of a title contender. While Orlando remains in the development stage, the team could still capitalize on trade opportunities to add assets.

When identifying five NBA players that should be traded to contenders, Sports Illustrated's Rohan Nadkarni included Gary Harris of the Magic. Given the nature of Orlando's crowded backcourt, moving Harris, who averaged averaged 8.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 48 games, could be logical.

"Harris is a black sheep of sorts in a young backcourt built around Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs," Nadkarni wrote. "Harris isn’t a meaningful part of the future there, and he would be great on a team with legitimate Finals aspirations."

For a title contender, Harris' ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc along with providing defensive versatility could prove to be a helpful addition. His perimeter shooting results from last season were particularly intriguing as he converted at a 43.1 percent clip on 4.5 attempts per game.

"Harris is a capable defender who has shot 37% from three in his career," Nadkarni wrote. "Even if he’s become more of a shooter than a shot creator, on the right team he can provide more than simply spacing.

Another factor to consider when evaluating Harris as a trade candidate is the attractive nature of his contract. He is set to earn just $13 million during the upcoming season in what is the final year of his contract.

"On an expiring deal worth an incredibly team-friendly $13 million, Harris’s talent would be better served on a roster more prepared to contend right now," Nadkarni wrote.

It remains to be seen how the Magic will approach its logjam on the perimeter. In the meantime, it wouldn't be surprising for Harris to command trade interest from around the league, particularly from title contenders.

Grant Afseth is an NBA reporter primarily covering the Dallas Mavericks, but also the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic for FanNation, as well as the league at larger for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group.