Tobias Harris (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris could end up with another team before the Feb. 18 trade deadline.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Magic are rumored to be open for trade proposals to get the team "a bit more seasoned." In Stein's series of tweets, he named Harris as the player Orlando is not outright shopping albeit listening to offers for the 6-foot-8 forward.
Monday morning trade scuttle: Orlando isn't outright shopping Tobias Harris, but word is the Magic aren't discouraging offers for him either
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 8, 2016
Harris is only averaging 13.7 points per game, but his rebounding numbers are slightly better than last season and his field goal percentage suggests the 23-year-old is still at par with his breakout performance in 2014-2015.
Harris would instantly help a team, especially those who are pushing for a playoff run. However, it remains intriguing how the Magic could come up with a way of sending Harris' four-year $64 million contract to interested teams.
But according to Yaron Weitzman of SB Nation, the Magic could get a good return, considering Harris' young age and potential as an All-Star caliber player, despite his lengthy contract.
Weitzman added that the Magic could trade Harris for a veteran help and leadership, which the team lacks in their youngster-packed lineup.
This brings up to Hoops Habit writer Josh Eberley's trade scenario of sending Harris to the Boston Celtics.
According to Eberley, the Celtics could send Jared Sullinger, David Lee, and two 2018 first round draft picks for Harris and Jason Smith.
The Celtics, who are desperate to contend for a title, would welcome the addition of Harris as a quality forward.
The Magic, on the other hand, receives leadership presence in Lee and another young talent in Sullinger, who are both pending free agents.
Orlando is just slightly behind the eight-placer Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference. But if the Magic thinks their chance for a postseason berth is too blur, they should bring in expiring contracts to have cap flexibility come free agency.
"This is a white flag deal, the Magic accept this isn't the season they get back into the mix and stockpile even more assets," Eberley noted.
If the Magic deems Lee and Sullinger do not fit in their roster, they could just let the two bigs walk away in the summer, giving them the cap-room to sign top free agents.
As for the Celtics, Harris could be an integral part of the franchise's bid to get back in the title hunt.
