Raptors trade rumors: 3 guards who could bolster the bench
By Mike Luciano
2. Gary Harris, Orlando Magic
The Magic have reportedly made some of the key rotation presences on this team, including Mo Bamba and Terrence Ross, available for trade. If Toronto is eyeing a perfect intersection of value and experience, looking to trade for Harris might help that bench take the next step.
The 27-year-old Harris is averaging 9.9 points per game while making 36% of his 3-pointers, which is identical to his career average. Harris’ scoring average is only down because of Orlando’s foundational young guards getting more run over him. Harris averaged 14.1 points per game from 2016-17 onward with the Nuggets.
Gary Harris would fill Svi Mykhailuk’s role with the Toronto Raptors.
The Magic could take on Goran Dragic’s contract and subsequently deal it elsewhere in exchange for draft picks. Harris is more than just a stationary sniper, as he is a complete scoring guard with enough skill on defense to become a trusted bench addition for Nurse.
Harris’ obscene salary might be too hefty for most to acquire, but if Orlando is willing to take on the task of dealing Dragic and picks up a protected first-round pick as the headliner in a hypothetical package, a deal could get done.
Former Raptors executive Jeff Weltman has given Toronto plenty of gifts over the years, and Harris might end up being one of his best.