Magic acquire Joe Harris from Cavaliers for second-round pick
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cavaliers traded guard Joe Harris to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, a deal to save Cleveland money and create roster flexibility.
In exchange for Harris, the Cavs will receive a second-round pick in 2017 and a protected second-round pick in 2020. Earlier on Tuesday, Harris underwent surgery on his right foot in Indianapolis and is expected to miss two months.
The trade, which also included cash going to Orlando, was inevitable after the Cavs guaranteed guard Jared Cunningham's contract for the remainder of this season.
By moving Harris, the Cavs can save nearly $3 million in payroll and luxury taxes and it will open up a roster spot. Harris appeared in five games this season for Cleveland and 10 with the Canton Charge, Cleveland's NBA Development League franchise.
The Magic will hold a team option on Harris for next season at slightly less than $1 million. It's possible they may release him.
The 6-foot-6 Harris made one start and played in 51 games for Cleveland as a rookie. He averaged 2.7 points and 9.7 minutes.
"Joe was a real good member of the team," Cavs coach David Blatt said before Cleveland played in Dallas. "He was a guy we all liked having on our team. A guy I really enjoyed coaching. A terrific teammate and a guy with a real future, I believe, in this league. It's one of those things that you wish it didn't have to happen, but it's understandable under the circumstances why."
