NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Magic Opens The Door For Tobias Harris Trade
The Orlando Magic surprised everyone at the start of the season when they reeled in several victories against highly touted opponents. But right before the All-Star break, the team looks to be going back to its old ways once again — losing. In fact, they've lost 15 of their last 18 games and are way below the possibility of earning a spot in the playoffs. They need change and they need it fast.
The guys at the front office may well be doing the best they can to make player movements just before the Feb. 18 trade deadline with the news that they are not open for the possibility of trading one of their go-to-guys in forward Tobias Harris.
Marc Stein of ESPN first reported that although they aren't really actively shopping him, they're at least "open to proposals of any kind to get a bit more seasoned." The choice of words is kind of awkward, but the real intention is certainly just to do something to stop the losses from piling up.
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The young forward is one of the highest-paid players in the team after signing a four-year contract last summer worth $64 million. He earned this kind of money after playing the best basketball of his career last season for the same team. This year, he upped his game by averaging close to 14.0 points a game and about 7 rebounds. He's also shooting great at 46 percent. Now it all seems to make no sense at all to trade him.
For the Magic, it makes perfect sense if they're able to unload his big contract and in the process get a couple of young guys or maybe reliable veteran contributors in return. The team is abundant of young and up-and-coming stars, particularly center Nikola Vucevic and guards Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton. The problem is they're a bunch of young players who are in need of guidance and experience. In about three or four years, this team's going to be a contender, provided the front office can keep the core intact and add some new players who can be a better fit.
New head coach Scott Skiles has to be the one responsible for making Harris available in the trade market. After all, since he took over the sidelines, Harris has had lesser opportunities of having the ball in his possession in offense.
But Scott shouldn't be blamed for that solely. Although Harris is quite tall and fast for his height, there are instances when he seems to disappear. Perhaps there are fewer plays designed for him this season and that is partly because there are several offensive options for the team, and Skiles might be more inclined to give the ball to the likes of Vucevic or Oladipo.
Finally, the emergence of Aaron Gordon and rookie Mario Hezonja are likewise reasons why the Magic are ready to part ways with a player they thought would become a franchise cornerstone after a fine performance last year. But to be fair, Harris certainly will thrive wherever he goes. He's that good.
