Cavs Trade Joe Harris To The Orlando Magic

It’s been a tough week for Cleveland’s Joe Harris. After undergoing foot surgery early on Tuesday, the Cavs guard was shipped to the Orlando Magic in exchange for two second round draft picks (2017 and a protected pick in 2020). Cleveland also included some cash in the deal.

The move was motivated by financial considerations. Moving Harris will allow Cleveland to not only save roughly $3 million in luxury tax, but open up a roster space following the guard’s surgery; Harris could miss the rest of the season. Cleveland also guaranteed Jarred Cunningham‘s contract this week, which forced their hand in the move.

Orlando will hold a club option on Harris, allowing them to potentially resign him for just under $1 million. It’s uncertain, however, if they will be interested.

“Obviously with Joe having season-ending surgery, Griff [Cleveland GM David Griffin], who is always working, was looking as always to create flexibility for possible opportunities going forward,” Cavs coach David Blatt said

“Joe was a real good member of the team. 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.”

Photo: Joe Harris #12 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks to pass against Yogev Ohanyon #12 of Maccabi Tel Aviv during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on October 5, 2014 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 107-80. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Article by Joe Kozlowski