The Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers made a trade on Tuesday evening as the Cavaliers sent Joe Harris to the Magic, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Harris was the 15th man on the Cavaliers' roster and the Magic only had to give up a 2017 second round pick along with a protected 2020 second round pick to acquire him. Despite making a trade for Harris it is possible that the Magic could release him, according to Tom Withers of Yahoo Sports.
The Cavaliers made this trade so that they can save $3 million against the luxury tax and by trading Harris they also opened up a roster spot. The Cavaliers can now use that roster spot to sign anyone that reaches a buyout agreement with their team or they can potentially give out a 10-day contract.
Harris has been rumored to be on the trading block for a little while now as he wasn't being used by the Cavaliers this season. Cleveland fully guaranteeing Jared Cunningham's contract for the rest of the season seemed to be the final sign that Harris was likely going to be on the move.
Harris appeared in just five games for the Cavaliers this season playing a total of 15 minutes and attempting just four shots. Harris has since undergone surgery on his foot that may be season-ending but there have been some conflicting reports on that. Some people believe Harris might only have to miss a couple of months after surgery but others think he will be done for the year.
Harris is now the 15th player on Orlando's roster and they will have a decision to make as to whether they want to keep him. Orlando is currently in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference and they have to decide whether they want to use that final roster spot on somebody who may not be able to help them at all this season. If Orlando does decide to hang on to Harris they will have a team option on him for less than $1 million next season.
Harris is a 24 year old shooting guard who is in his second year in the NBA. Harris has spent most of his time this season in the D-League but last year he played in 51 games with the Cavaliers and made 37 percent of his threes. Harris likely has a future in the NBA but it remains to be seen if that will be with Orlando.
