Two reports linking the Orlando Magic and free agent big man Al Harrington emerged yesterday. To my knowledge, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated was the first media member to connect the Magic with Harrington, a high-usage, low-efficiency, shoot-first veteran:
SI sources say Al Harrington was in serious talks with Orlando that recently fell apart. Harrington looking at Utah, New Jersey and Clips.
Hours later, FanHouse's Chris Tomasson sent this Twitter message indicating that a deal might still be in the works:
There are still talks going on with Orlando about possible sign and trade being arranged & New York free agent Al Harrington going to Magic
Despite the negative reputation Harrington has as an unapologetic gunner, I understand the appeal, insofar as Harrington can score, and the Magic need shot-creators off their bench. At the same time, he's not appreciably better than incumbent backup power forward Ryan Anderson at anything, really, and the Magic's biggest need is to find a low-usage, defense-oriented perimeter player.