Magic’s Gary Harris Could Be Buyout Candidate

Magic shooting guard Gary Harris could become a buyout candidate if he isn’t moved ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

Harris, 27, is 6-foot-4 and is averaging 11.6 points on 44 percent shooting in 47 games (through Tuesday). He is in the final year of his contract, making him a valuable trade asset for Orlando — which is reportedly looking to deal both Harris and guard/forward Terrence Ross.

Here is what Fischer wrote about the pair:

League personnel expect Orlando will find a new home for Terrence Ross in a similar deal structure that saw the Magic part with Evan Fournier for two second-round picks last season. Meanwhile, Gary Harris has been painted as a potential buyout candidate if he is not moved.

Both Harris and Ross have generated strong interest ahead of the deadline, though has generated more, since anyone who trades for him knows he’ll be under contract for at least another season.

Trading for Harris would mean running the risk that he could leave in free agency at the end of the year. For contenders looking for help during a playoff push, that’s not nearly as big of a deal. But Harris’ contract likely isn’t something potential lottery teams would want to take on.

Harris was acquired by the Magic as part of the Aaron Gordon trade with the Nuggets last season.