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Orlando Magic Offseason Preview: 3 going and 3 staying in the rebuild

By Patrick Previty

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley helped build the team's foundation. But there is still work to do in what should be a busy summer. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley helped build the team's foundation. But there is still work to do in what should be a busy summer. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gary Harris, Orlando Magic
Gary Harris stayed with the Orlando Magic passed the trade deadline. Now the team has to have a big decision on his future. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3 staying, 3 going for the Orlando Magic

Going: Gary Harris

Gary Harris was a good veteran presence in the locker room last year and most likely will not command the $20-million per year salary he got last year.

Orlando certainly has the money to retain a veteran like him, especially after he had a solid season.

Harris averaged 11.1 points per game and shot 38.4-percent from beyond the arc. He was a reliable outside shooter and a solid defender for the team. He gave the Magic some stability in the second unit.

It was a big year for Harris, who needed to prove his health and ability after struggling the last few years to find the court with the Denver Nuggets before they ultimately traded him. Harris proved his point this year, even as the Magic scaled him back later in the season.

Despite the Magic’s available cap room, however, it is still hard to see the team offering a worthwhile contract or a role that fits his larger goals.

Especially with all of the young guards that fill up the depth chart.

Orlando already has several guards they are heavily invested in that will need time on the court. Markelle Fultz was limited to 20 minutes per game for much of the season and he will need the opportunity to play. So too will Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs, mainstays and draft picks from the last two years for the team.

Plus, the Magic still have R.J. Hampton to try to squeeze into the rotation and carve out a role.

Those three guards being on the court is the most important thing for the Magic and considering that they haven’t ruled out drafting another, Harris just simply doesn’t fit into that plan long term.

Harris undoubtedly would help this team and give it stability. But there is always that push and pull between playing young players and keeping key veterans around to help those young players improve.

The open market for Harris might include a playoff team looking to add an additional piece to their bench. That is the quality of player Harris ultimately will end up being. There could be a strong market for Harris, one the Magic are not willing to pay for the role they envision for him.