Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris reportedly is interested in signing with the New York Knicks as a restricted free agent this summer. Marc Berman of the New York Post reported Harris, a New York native, is intrigued with the idea of playing for the Knicks after becoming friends with Carmelo Anthony over the summer.
Playing for your hometown team is a growing trend in the NBA, and Harris apparently is no exception.
"Tobias Harris, the Magic's second-leading scorer, turned down a recent contract-extension offer and will become a restricted free agent this summer," Berman wrote Wednesday. "According to a source, Harris, who went to high school at Long Island's Half Hollow Hills West, has a lot of interest in his hometown Knicks after becoming buddies with Carmelo Anthony over the summer. ...
"After participating with the U.S. Select Team in Las Vegas, Harris worked out several times over the summer with Anthony at his Terminal 23 gym in midtown Manhattan and the two often were paired in scrimmages. The source said they made a good combo."
The fact Harris declined Orlando's four-year, $36 million extension offer indicates the 22-year-old wants to test the market. While Orlando has the option to match any offer Harris receives, it's uncertain how high the team would be willing to go to keep him in a Magic jersey.
Harris has improved his value this season, averaging 17.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game so far. He'll become a restricted free agent in July.
