Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 10:20am

MAGIC TAKES HARRIS' CONTRACT, HELPING CAVS FINANCIALLY

The Orlando Magic acquired swingman Joe Harris, a protected 2nd-round draft pick in 2017, and cash from the Cleveland Cavaliers for a protected 2nd-round draft pick in 2020.

What does it give the Orlando Magic
Harris has already been waived by Orlando, and even if he'd stuck with the Magic he's injured (out for roughly the next couple months following right foot surgery). It all adds up to Orlando simply using its extra salary cap space (something Cleveland doesn't have) to take on Harris' contract and help the Cavaliers save money--roughly $3 million in luxury tax, while also giving Cleveland a little roster flexibility. The 2017 draft pick is Orlando's prize for its part here, and was previously owned by the Sacramento Kings. The cash helps offset some of the Magic's financial burden in taking on Harris' deal.

What does it give the Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs have a star-studded roster and that always presents cap and salary tax challenges. Since Harris was injured and inexperienced--and has spent most of his NBA career so far in the NBA D-League--he was a logical choice to go. Cleveland saves roughly $3 million in NBA tax money with the move, also opening up a roster spot that the team can eventually use on a veteran who might help with its title push. The downgraded draft selection was previously owned by Portland.

Fantasy impact
For now there's zero fantasy impact for either Cavaliers or Magic players, since Harris was barely playing with Cleveland and he won't be joining Orlando. That said, Harris may see an uptick in fantasy fortunes if he lands with a new NBA team once he's healthy (since he had a tough time breaking into the veteran-laden Cleveland rotation).