Around the NBA, some teams are on the rise. We’re considering rebuilding teams ready to take a step forward. They’re done looking for talent in the lottery. These teams want to move forward with the talent that they’ve already got.
One of those teams is the Houston Rockets. They made a concerted effort to get better this summer. With new additions like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and others on the roster, the Rockets could jump in the standings.
So could the Orlando Magic. With that said, they’re trying to emphasize organic growth. Outside of Joe Ingles, the Magic didn’t add a lot of veterans this summer.
Could they send a veteran out by trading Gary Harris to the Rockets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Houston Rockets Land Gary Harris
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, F Jae’Sean Tate, 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Gary Harris, F Chuma Okeke
Both of these teams are rebuilding. That wasn’t always the case. The Rockets and the Magic each have storied histories. Younger fans may forget, but the two sides once met in the NBA Finals.
It was 1995. The Magic were built around the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. The Rockets were built around Hakeem Olajuwon and a lot of depth.
Michael Jordan had come out of retirement for a Chicago Bulls playoff run, but the Magic cut his return short in the second round. In the end, the Rockets would vanquish even the Magic.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gary Harris, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets Updates
What has happened since? Well, the Magic made another trip to the Finals behind Dwight Howard. The Rockets haven’t been back, but they came close on multiple occasions with James Harden as their franchise player.
Does this deal get them closer to returning to the big dance?
Why The Houston Rockets Do This Deal
Well, the present-day Rockets aren’t thinking about the Finals. They’re quite far from them. This team is simply trying to take a step forward in 2023-24. The Rockets have their sights set on the play-in tournament.
Some unfortunate events this offseason may hinder their plans. Kevin Porter Jr. may have been losing his starting point guard spot, but he was supposed to be a key part of this team’s rotation.
Porter Jr. could have been the best catch-and-shoot player on this team. Due to his horrific actions, he’s no longer a Rocket -or, as it stands, an NBA player.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gary Harris, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets Updates
Harris could be a perfect replacement. He’s not as dynamic of an offensive player, but the Rockets have enough shot creation. They need a guard who spaces the floor and defends. Harris can do both.
Should Orlando part with such a useful player?
Why The Orlando Magic Do This Deal
Harris is the most impactful player in this deal. Still, Tate isn’t far off. He’s a multi-positional defender who can make plays for his teammates. Tate could be a valuable reserve for this team.
Still, losing Harris would sting. Orlando doesn’t have the same spacing concerns as the Rockets, but they still have concerns. Yet, they could see Harris as expendable. Ingles will help their spacing, and rookie Jett Howard could also be an efficient shooter in his first season.
The Magic may decide they don’t need Harris badly enough to turn down this deal. After all, they’re getting an expiring contract back and a pair of second-round picks.
LATEST NBA TRADE RUMORS: Gary Harris, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets Updates
Sure, the Magic want to take a step forward, but they should still entertain future-focused deals if they get good value. They may have one of the brightest futures in the league, but they won’t be in the title picture in 2023-24.
