NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Keeping or Shopping Gary Harris?

Gary Harris is one of the few Orlando Magic players with trade interest around the league. Could he be dealt ahead of Thursday's NBA Trade Deadline?

Jeremy Brener | Feb 8, 2023

NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Keeping or Shopping Gary Harris? /

In this story:

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris knows what it's like to be dealt at the trade deadline.

A little less than two years ago, Harris (along with R.J. Hampton) were traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Magic for Aaron Gordon.

But while Harris' name has popped up sporadically in trade talks this cycle, it appears he might be safe for now.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Magic prefer to hold on to Harris beyond Thursday's 3 p.m. trade deadline.

Harris, 28, is one of the oldest players on the team, something the Magic value about him. He's also been by far the Magic's best outside shooter, making 46.7 percent of his threes this season. For a team that struggles to shoot from deep, Harris has been a much-needed force in that department.

Since serving his one-game suspension for leaving the bench in the infamous Detroit Pistons brawl back in December, Harris has played and started in every game for the Magic since. He's averaging 8.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

The Magic signed Harris to a two-year, $26 million contract in the offseason. His $13 million for this season is guaranteed, but next year's isn't on lock until June 30.

The Magic can cut Harris without owing him a penny of next year's payroll if the team cuts him before free agency. But given the way he's playing and the value he's brought to Orlando, there's a good chance he could not only stay with the Magic beyond the deadline, but next season as well.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Feb 8, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.