Free agent wing Tobias Harris has agreed to a four-year deal with the Orlando Magic worth $64 million, according to Shams Charania of Real GM.
Tobias Harris will return to Magic on 4-year, $64 million deal, per report
After sitting on the market for a couple days, it appears Harris is headed back to Orlando.
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As a restricted free agent, the Magic always had the option of matching Harris' contract after he came off a career year of 17.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Harris initially drew some interest from the Boston Celtics and other teams, but it turns out the Magic didn't need to match an offer, instead striking a deal with Harris on their own. Incoming head coach Scott Skiles coached Harris in Milwaukee and reportedly didn't have the best relationship with him, which brought into question Orlando's interest in re-signing him, especially if another team pursued him aggressively this summer.
In a year and half for the Bucks, Harris looked like nothing more than the nondescript second-rounder he was, but it clicked as soon as he was traded to Orlando in the J.J. Redick deal. Harris averaged 17.3 points in 27 games with the Magic that 2012-13 season and has averages of 16.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 46 percent shooting and 32 percent on three-pointers thus far in a Magic uniform.
Harris is only 22 years old and already a well-rounded wing in the mold that is becoming invaluable in the NBA these days. He shot the three-pointer at a career-best 36 percent last season while excelling as a cutter and strong finisher around the rim. The only true question headed into the offseason is exactly how much a team would pay him.
To bring him back shows that Skiles and Orlando is committed to the young man as a member of the core for years to come. The Magic have a host of promising first-round picks but are still trying to find an identity that works for them. Harris clearly has the talent and skillset to fit into the Magic regardless of what direction they decide to take, whether it’s as a three or a smallball power forward.
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