Report: Pistons Among Leading Candidates To Land Tobias Harris
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
In a continuing search for a starting small forward, the Detroit Pistons have now been linked to Orlando Magic restricted free agent Tobias Harris.
According to RealGM, the Pistons and the Boston Celtics have emerged as frontrunners to sign the fifth-year forward out of Tennessee if they elect to sign him to a maximum offer sheet, which would amount to around $15 million per year.
"For the Pistons, there is a vision of using Harris as a potential hybrid stretch-wing, capable of playing the small and power forward positions. Several NBA personnel told RealGM that Harris' slashing and outside shooting will jibe instantly with Stan Van Gundy's system."
The 22-year-old could leave the Magic after failing to reach a contract extension last summer. The Magic drafted Croatian forward Mario Hezonja, who would likely immediately fill Harris' spot.
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As for the Pistons, they have around $18 million in cap space to play with this offseason, needing to shore up a couple different positions -- the other being a reserve center. President of basketball operations and head coach Stan Van Gundy said that the team will still be looking to add a starting small forward, even after drafting Arizona's Stanley Johnson in Thursday's draft.
The 6-foot-9, 235 pound Harris averaged 17.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in Orlando last season and is regarded as one of the top forwards in free agency this season.