Orlando Magic rumors: Several teams would be interested in Maurice Harkless

When the Orlando Magic finally dealt center Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles, then-rookie Maurice Harkless was one of the key players in the deal. Harkless’ first two years have been up-and-down but he showed enough improvement last year to warrant the belief he can become a solid NBA player.

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Harkless has had some trouble carving out a role and with Tobias Harris and the fourth-overall pick of this year’s draft, Aaron Gordon, on the roster, his role still isn’t clear. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports several teams would be interested in Harkless if the Magic decide against keeping him.

"Harkless has shown flashes of brilliance, both as a defender and as an offensive player. This will be a big season for Harkless, especially considering the crowded roster at his position. Harkless has to separate himself this season in order for him to land that long-term deal. The good news for Mo is if Orlando doesn’t want him, several other teams would gladly take him off their hands. Harkless needs a strong season to cement his value, but his play to date likely locks him into another deal in the NBA."

Harkless averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 38.3% from beyond the arc and 59.4% from the free throw line. In his rookie year, he put up 8.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.7 assists per game but shot just 46.1% from the floor, 27.4% from three and 57.0% from the charity stripe.

Although Harkless played more as a rookie (26.0 minutes per game in 59 starters) than last season (24.4 minutes per game in 41 starts), that was largely due to the acquisition of Harris at the 2013 trade deadline. Plus, Harkless’ improved three-point shooting combined with his length on defense could make him a valuable player.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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