The Cleveland Cavaliers traded guard Joe Harris to the Orlando Magic in a salary dump Tuesday.
The Cavs will get back a future second round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers.
TRADE: #Cavs acquire POR protected '20 2nd rd. pick from ORL for Joe Harris/SAC '17 protected 2nd rd. pick. [MORE]: https://t.co/hAMDQ3En43
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 12, 2016
Harris had foot surgery on the same day of the trade.
Per the Akron Beacon Journal:
Harris’ move was inevitable after the Cavs chose to keep Jared Cunningham for the remainder of the season, although Harris’ recent foot injury complicated matters and reduced his trade value. Harris had successful surgery in Indianapolis on his right foot Tuesday and is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Cavs also sent cash to the Magic in the deal.
The Cavs had been trying to recoup a second-round pick for Harris, but couldn’t following the foot problem. The Cavs acquired the Portland Trail Blazers’ top-55 protected second-round pick in 2020, while also shipping out the Sacramento Kings’ top-55 protected pick in 2017. Both are considered “paper picks” in the deal.
The real value from the Cavs’ perspective is a savings of about $3 million in payroll and luxury taxes and an open roster spot should a veteran get bought out of his contract, most likely following the Feb. 18 trade deadline.
