Restricted free agent forward Tobias Harris has reached an agreement on a four-year, $64 million deal with the Orlando Magic, Shams Charania of RealGM reports. There are no options on Harris’ contract.
After failing to sign Paul Millsap to a four-year, $80 million deal, Orlando was intent on re-signing their prized free agent to keep the young core of Elfrid Payton, Nikola Vucevic, and Victor Oladipo together with Harris. Being a restricted free agent, the Magic could have retained Harris even if he agreed to sign elsewhere.
Harris, 22, has been a key part to Orlando’s rebuilding process since he was acquired in 2013. He spent a season and a half of his career with the Milwaukee Bucks where he was unable to find playing time. Once dealt to Orlando for J.J. Redick, Harris saw an enormous increase in minutes.
Earning more minutes, Harris’ overall numbers increased dramatically. He averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game this past season. Although minor ankle injuries forced him to miss 15 games and lose rhythm, Harris still had one of the best seasons of his career.
It was ideal for the Magic to keep Harris, who will genuinely continue to provide sufficient scoring and rebounding. Harris is also big and strong on defense, allowing him to slide over and play the power forward position. One area Harris has improved over the years is his three-point shooting. Coming into the league, he did not have much range. But this season, he upped his three-point efficiency, from 25.4 percent to 36.4 percent.
Just 22 years young, Harris has a ton of potential to grow as a player. He is, after all, one of the youngest players from his draft class (2011).
The Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to have interest in Harris, but once again they failed to engage another free agent into contract discussions.