Orlando Magic Daily
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3 things we learned about the Orlando Magic at the deadline

By Luke Duffy

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic stands with Mo Bamba #11, Markelle Fultz #20 and Cole Anthony #50 during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 16: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic stands with Mo Bamba #11, Markelle Fultz #20 and Cole Anthony #50 during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 27: Head Coach Jamahl Mosley and Gary Harris #14 of the Orlando Magic talk during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade Arena on January 27, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 27: Head Coach Jamahl Mosley and Gary Harris #14 of the Orlando Magic talk during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Miami-Dade Arena on January 27, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

3 Orlando Magic takeaways from the trade deadline

2. Gary Harris is part of the long-term future of the franchise

If there is one player whose perception around the Orlando Magic and their fan base changed the most in the weeks leading up to the deadline, it is Gary Harris. At one point he looked like their best trade asset, and was spoken about as such.

Harris to his credit has gone about his business quietly, come back from injuries as quickly as possible and helped the Magic to win games. The 46.7 percent he is shooting from 3-point range is easily the best mark on this team, and is crucial for the spacing of the group.

So while it looked like Mo Bamba, R.J. Hampton, Terrence Ross and Gary Harris were the likely trade candidates, in the end it was only Bamba who was moved. Ross may yet get bought out, and Harris will also be the reason for this if that does happen.

At 28-years-old he has stepped into the role Ross once occupied for a previous iteration of this team. The flamethrower who can start or come off the bench, and who is a model veteran for the younger players in the locker-room.

The contract Harris has is non-guaranteed for next season, but you can bet the Magic will pick it up. At only $13 million he may yet be traded when the time is right. Certainly his ability on the court and salary make him an ideal addition in a big trade for a star player.

Even if that never comes to pass, Harris is exactly what this group needs. A player who was staring them in the face the whole time, and who it seems has only been truly appreciated by the Magic once the prospect of trading him became a reality.

Harris will be around for some time yet, and it would not surprise if he suits up for the organization in their first game back in the postseason, whenever that may be.