5 Questions for the Second Quarter of the Orlando Magic’s Season
By Isaac Ryu
5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s second quarter
What should the Orlando Magic do with Gary Harris and Terrence Ross?
Coming into the season, the idea was that Gary Harris and Terrence Ross would be used as potential trade pieces because they were both veterans on the young roster and their contracts were ripe for a trade to a contender.
Harris’ contract expires at the end of the season. Ross has an additional year left on his contract, which might make him more valuable to teams trying to contend.
However, both guards are having a down season this year.
Harris has played 20 games for the Magic which just about matches the 20 games he played for the Magic last season. In 25 minutes last year, Harris averaged 10.2 points per game, shot 36.4-percent from three and shot 87.5-percent from the stripe on 2.4 attempts per game.
In the team’s first 21 games, Harris averaged just 5.9 points per game while shooting 21.4-percent from beyond the arc. It was an extremely poor start for the veteran guard as he continued to deal with some nagging injuries and find his role on the team.
If the Magic are looking to trade Harris, he is far from his career 2018 season.
Harris has started to turn the corner of late, scoring in double figures in the five games since to up his average to an even 8.0 points per game for the season.
Ross is similarly having a noticeable drop in production. In almost 25 minutes per game, Ross is averaging 10.2 points, 30.2-percent from three and 39.6-percent from the field.
Last season, which was one of Ross’ better seasons, in almost 30 minutes per game, he averaged 15.6 points, 33.7-percent from behind the arc and shot 41.1-percent from the field.
If the Magic are looking to shop Harris and Ross, the chances are looking slim on getting a big return.
Championship contenders like the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns or Golden State Warriors already have serviceable veterans who are playing well. They would be hard-pressed to trade for the veteran guards and give up what limited young players or draft picks they have.
In all likelihood, the Magic will most likely be only able to move one of them. Ross is the better bet because of his slightly more manageable contract ($13 million per year with an extra year at that) compared to Harris’ hefty $19 million expiring deal. Remember the Magic only got a trade exception and a second-round pick for Evan Fournier at least year’s deadline.