The Magic are declining their options on the contracts of guards Gary Harris and Cory Joseph for next season, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype tweets. Harris’ team option is worth $7.5MM, while Joseph’s is equivalent to his minimum salary ($3.47MM).
Neither move comes as a surprise. Harris, 30, had a limited role this season and once again battled injuries. He saw action in just 48 games this season, averaging just 3.0 points in 14.8 minutes.
In previous seasons, Harris was at least a part-time starter. He recently expressed a desire to stay in Orlando, but if he does, it’ll come at a reduced salary.
“I love Orlando,” Harris said earlier in the spring. “My kids love it here. It’s been great to be a part of what we’ve been building here in this city, but you know how the league is. There’s a lot uncertain. You never know what’s going to happen. So all I can do is control what I can, continue to put the work in [and] stay ready for whatever the future may hold. But I definitely love my time here in Orlando, so we’ll see if it continues.”
Joseph, 33, received some unexpected playing time due to injuries. He averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 assists in 12.2 minutes per game, appearing in 50 contests (16 starts).
These moves are a byproduct of the Desmond Bane blockbuster trade with the Grizzlies. Orlando will presumably be looking to stay below the luxury tax line and avoid operating in apron territory — declining these options will assist that cause. Bane has a $36.7MM salary for next season.
They have to decline Mo Wagner as well to get under the tax.
They were playing very good basketball with Mo on the court this season.
I’m sure they’d like to keep a player like him. But the injury…
Orlando will decline Mo Wagner’s one-year 11 million option to later re-sign him as a free agent for at least two years /16 million. The bottom line is Mo Wagner isn’t going anywhere.
Man, I remember when Harris was balling out next to Jokic in Denver before all those injuries. He was their #3 option at one time..