Magic are declining options on a pair of players

The Magic are declining their options on the contracts of guards Gary Harris and Cory Joseph for next season, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweets.

Neither move comes as a surprise. Harris, 30, had a limited role this season and once again battled injuries. Harris saw action in just 48 games this season, averaging just 3.0 points in 14.8 minutes.

In previous seasons, Harris was at least a part-time starter. He was hoping he could stay in Orlando but if he does, it’ll come at a reduced salary.

“I love Orlando,” Harris said recently. “My kids love it here. It’s been great to be a part of what we’ve been building here in this city, but you know how the league is. There’s a lot uncertain. You never know what’s going to happen. So all I can do is control what I can, continue to put the work in [and] stay ready for whatever the future may hold. But I definitely love my time here in Orlando, so we’ll see if it continues.”

Joseph, 33, received some unexpected playing time due to injuries. He averaged 3.5 points and 1.4 assists in 12.2 minutes per game, appearing in 50 contests (16 starts).

These moves are a by-product of the Desmond Bane blockbuster trade with the Grizzlies. Orlando is looking for ways to avoid the luxury tax and declining these options will assist that cause. Bane has a $36.7M contract for next season.