The Orlando Magic are skidding, but it doesn't follow that the team is pushing the panic button. However, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) trade deadline fast approaching (Feb. 18), the door is open for other teams to propose a trade.
One player whom the Magic are open to dealing is reportedly Tobias Harris. While it seems strange to see Harris being dangled, the fact remains that the 6-foot-9-inch cager has not exactly been the same player who made a big splash last season.
Aside from the fact that he is trying to blend in with head coach Scott Skiles' system, the team is overflowing with forwards. Then there are the young starters who get priority on the hardwood, making it doubly difficult for the 23-year-old forward to make things happen.
The thing is, the Magic are not actively shopping Harris. It is one of those cases wherein team reps want to see what other teams would offer for a player like him.
Monday morning trade scuttle: Orlando isn't outright shopping Tobias Harris, but word is the Magic aren't discouraging offers for him either
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 8, 2016 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Hence, a Harris trade would depend a lot on what other teams offer. A veteran player could be someone the Magic could use, particularly because the team is loaded with yuppies who need some guidance from a player who has been around.
Harris signed a four-year $64 million deal in the offseason which could be an attractive contract to consider for interested teams.
Being paid that much despite playing second fiddle seems intriguing, although allowing him to shine elsewhere isn't a bad idea.
With the likes of Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier, and Nikola Vucevic at the forefront, Harris may find it tough to survive and play well with those men ahead of him. He will not be the primary option, not even the secondary if one scales down the rotation.
Even though the magic may be denying it, the right player and price could still stand out.
