clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2015 NBA free agency rumors: Orlando Magic reluctant to match a max offer for Tobias Harris

After a disappointing start to free agency where many of the Pistons' wing targets were snatched up, there seems to be some hope the team can land a marquee free agent

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarre Carroll signed with the Toronto Raptors, Danny Green re-signed with the San Antonio Spurs, Khris Middleton was quickly locked up by the Milwaukee Bucks and Draymond Green decided to stay in California. The Pistons' free agent targets have been slipping through their fingers one by one, but it seems the team may have caught a break in negotiations with the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn reporting that the Orlando Magic would not match a max offer for swingman Tobias Harris, in whom Stan Van Gundy has previously expressed interest.

Why is a Boston-based outlet reporting on the free agency situation of an Orlando-based player? Well, Danny Ainge and the Celtics also seem to be interested in Harris, even after retaining  Jae Crowder (5Y/$35M), Jonas Jerebko (2Y/$10M) and agreeing to terms with Amir Johnson (2Y/$24M). Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons could potentially knock out two birds with one stone by offering Harris a max deal, and could secure a starting small forward in the process.

Harris, who was drafted 19th overall by the Bobcats in 2011, averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the Magic last year, and shot a career high 36.4% from behind the three-point line. Interest around the University of Tennessee product seems to have been minimal so far, with his restricted free agency seemingly warding off  suitors until most unrestricted players have been signed, but expect to see his name mentioned more often as wing options start dwindling.

Could he be the signing we've been waiting for?

Now your thoughts.