On Father’s Day, many dads who are basketball fans were quite surprised that there was a blockbuster NBA trade that occurred. The Orlando Magic were able to acquire shooting guard Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies. While there has been a debate as to whether Orlando gave up too much to add him, it was fairly evident that the team badly needed outside shooting. That is something Bane will certainly provide as seen by his career 41.0% three-point accuracy. With the addition of the 2020 first round pick, the Magic have decided to decline two team options. Both options declined are backcourt players, and they will help the Magic to avoid luxury tax fees. The declined options were first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Just In: The Orlando Magic have declined team options for Gary Harris ($7.5 million) and Cory Joseph ($3.47 million) for the 2025-26 season as part of the Desmond Bane trade, league sources told @hoopshype. pic.twitter.com/DmmUnPt3ai
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 17, 2025
After Acquiring Desmond Bane, Magic Decline Two Team Options
Cory Joseph’s Team Option Declined After Starting In The Playoffs
A 14-year veteran, 2024-25 was Cory Joseph’s first season with the Magic. Last offseason, the 33-year-old signed a two-year contract, with the second year being a team option. Orlando has decided to decline that team option, worth slightly less than $3.5 million.
With Jalen Suggs out since late January due to a quad injury, Joseph eventually would take over the starting point guard role for the Magic. He started all five games of their opening round loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics. During the series, he played 24.8 minutes per contest. He posted averages of 5.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals.
During the regular season, the 6-foot-2 guard appeared in 50 games (16 starts). Joseph finished the year with averages of 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He shot 40.3% from the field, 36,4% from three-point territory, and 77.8% from the foul line.
Joseph does have a ring from over a decade ago as a member of the 2014 San Antonio Spurs championship team.
Gary Harris’ 4+ Year Run With Orlando Coming To A Close
Trsded to the Magic in March of 2021 in the deal that sent Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets, Gary Harris just completed his fourth full season with Orlando. Turning 31 years old on September 14, he signed a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason. The second year was a $7.5 million team option which has been declined.
This season was Harris’ 11th in the league, and one where he averaged a career-low 3.0 points. The 6-foot-4 guard shot 35.6% from beyond the arc, below his career mark of 36.9%. His playing time also dwindled substantially, as he averaged just 14.8 minutes per outing. Harris averaged at least 24.0 minutes in each of his first three full seasons for the Magic. It’s actually the first time he averaged less than 24.0 minutes since his rookie year.
His playing time increased a tad in the Celtics playoff matchup to 16.6 minutes per contest. Harris made little impact though, particularly on the offensive end, as he totaled just seven points over the five games.
Photo credit: © Mike Watters-Imagn Images
