HARRIS HEADS TO PISTONS, JENNINGS & ILYASOVA MOVED TO MAGIC
The Orlando Magic acquired point guard Brandon Jennings and combo forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Detroit Pistons for combo forward Tobias Harris.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
The centerpiece of this deal for the Magic is Jennings, who's proven he can be a star point guard in the NBA. This swap reunites him with head coach Scott Skiles after the two teamed up with the Milwaukee Bucks a few years back. Clearly Skiles is on board with this move, and it'll be shocking if Jennings isn't immediately handed the reins to Orlando's offense (with young point guard Elfrid Payton likely now taking a back seat). Ilyasova provides depth up front to replace Harris' scoring and rebounding. The biggest appeal for the Magic, however, might be unloading Harris' big four-year contract (and getting an expiring deal in return with Jennings, and a more affordable two years with Ilyasova).
What does it give the Detroit Pistons
By adding Harris here the Pistons effectively kill two birds with one trade stone: they move Jennings, whose contract expires after this season; and they solidify their starting five with a star-level forward in Harris. While Ilyasova was a solid option at power forward, Harris is younger and more dynamic as a scorer. Taking on Harris' big contract is a bit of a risk, but it's addition by subraction too (since there's no longer a point guard controversy with Jennings and starter Reggie Jackson). The starting group of Jackson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Marcus Morris, Harris, and Andre Drummond is a strong one for now and the future.
Fantasy impact
Jennings (now with the Magic) and Harris (now with the Pistons) both get big fantasy boosts with this deal, since both are projected to be starters with their respective new clubs. This deal equally hurts the fantasy values of Ilyasova (who will now probably need to fight for starter minutes with Aaron Gordon in Orlando) and especially Payton (who now seems destined for a reserve role the rest of this season). Gordon may eventually take over as Orlando's starting power forward, so keep him on the fantasy radar. Meanwhile, downgrade rookie Pistons swingman Stanley Johnson, whose chances of breaking into Detroit's regular starting five just shrunk.
