Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris seems to be ready to move on, especially with the addition of Mario Hezonja in last night’s draft. Even though he is a restricted free agent it seems Orlando will be reluctant to match the offers he will receive once free agency begins on July 1st. At this point in time there appear to be two clear front runners to land the services of Harris, following from RealGM’s Shams Charania:
As Orlando restricted free agent Tobias Harris will pursue a maximum-level offer sheet on July 1 that the Magic possibly won’t match, the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have emerged as leading candidates for the talented forward, league sources told RealGM.
The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons seem to be the team’s most intrigued with Harris hitting the open market. The combo forward is also looking for a big pay day, something in the ballpark of slightly above $15 million annually. Harris has every right to ask for this type of money, he has been one of the most versatile players in the league over the past couple years since he’s able to provide a mismatch at any forward spot. His game boasts above average athleticism and a reliable jumpshot, add in the fact that he’s only 22 and you got yourself one of the most coveted free agents this summer.
Detroit had been on the hunt for a player to fit their void at starting small forward and they had seemed to find one in last night’s draft in Stanley Johnson. However Harris can still fit their scheme in two scenarios. They could slide Johnson over to the two guard and have Harris start at small forward with newly acquired Ersan Ilyasova playing power forward, allowing Andre Drummond to have the paint all to himself. Or they could start Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at shooting guard and have Harris play power forward and bring Ilyasova off the bench. There is also a question mark at the direction Detroit plans on going at point guard with Brandon Jennings still on the roster and Reggie Jackson’s departure potenially looming.
The Celtics sorely need a go to scorer. They had been rumored to be pushing for Kevin Love, but Tobias would be a fine consolation prize. They already have a decent young nucleus headed by Isaiah Thomas and Harris could be the go to scorer Boston is lacking. Wherever Harris goes, he’ll command at least $15 million but it’ll ultimately be worth it as that team will have one of the best young studs in the league today.
