The Portland Trail Blazers are suddenly short-handed on the wings, so they’ve acquired Maurice Harkless from the Orlando Magic, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Portland Trail Blazers have acquired Orlando Magic forward Moe Harkless in a trade, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Portland will send a future second-round pick to the Magic for Harkless.
Harkless was a first round pick of the Magic in 2012, and while he showed flashes of promise, he still hasn’t fully realized his potential. He’s a great athlete, an improved ball handler, and has all the tools necessary to be a stellar defender. His shooting leaves much to be desired, but his form has undergone noticeable positive changes during his time with the Magic.
Portland traded Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the summer, so the need on the wing is obvious. They signed Al-Farouq Aminu to a three year deal, but he’s not going to replicate everything Batum did (especially when it comes to shooting). Hoping Harkless can develop into Batum’s long-term replacement – or even a valuable rotation player – is a low-risk, high-reward gamble. The Blazers will take several steps back this summer after the departure of Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews, so Harkless will have ample opportunity to prove himself on a team that won’t be contending for much more than a playoff spot.
