Tobias Harris
Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends during a 2014 game in Orlando, Florida. Reuters/Kim Klement/USA Today Sports

Orlando Magic free agent forward Tobias Harris is expected to be pursued by the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons when free agency opens Wednesday. The Magic drafted Mario Hezonja as the No. 5 overall pick in last week's NBA draft and is not expected to match any offer for the 22-year-old Harris if it’s near the maximum level.

The pursuit of Harris by the Eastern Conference teams is being reported by RealGM.com’s Shams Charania, who also claims that other teams like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are interested in the small forward.

Harris will enter his fifth year in the NBA after playing for the Milwaukee Bucks (2011 to 2013) and the Magic (2013 to 2015). He was No. 19 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, selected by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets), but was traded to the Bucks on draft night. In 2013, he was traded to the Magic along with Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih for J.J. Redick, Gustavo Ayon and Ish Smith.

The Magic are reportedly interested in bringing back Harris but not at the price of a max or near-max contract, which is expected to be over $15 million per season. The Orlando franchise and Harris discussed a contract extension in the previous season but the Magic’s offer is reportedly in the $10 million to $11 million per season range.

In three years with the Magic, Harris averaged 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. His ability to stretch the floor all the way to the three-point line is seen as a skill that is attracting the interested teams in this offseason.

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