Al Harrington: "I'm on schedule" in knee rehabilitation, expects to play before trade deadline

Al Harrington hasn't played for the Orlando Magic since they acquired him from the Denver Nuggets in August, but the veteran forward tells Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel that he's working hard to return to the floor after offseason knee surgeries, though he declined to name when that return might be. "Everything is top secret," Harrington said, "but I'm on schedule."

Harrington doesn't expect to be with the Magic for long, which is why he intends to return before the NBA trading deadline on February 21st. "I know the only way they can move me is to show I'm healthy," he said.

Harrington is in the second year of a four-year contract he signed with Denver. The third and fourth seasons are only half-guaranteed, making him a prime target for a contending team looking for scoring off the bench. Schmitz's "best guess" is that Harrington will take the floor for Orlando "in late January or early February." The New Jersey native "is increasing his workload."

In his last season with the Nuggets, Harrington averaged 14.2 points and 6.1 rebounds in 27.5 minutes, placing fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Looking for Orlando Magic tickets? Orlando Pinstriped Post has you covered. We invite you to follow Orlando Pinstriped Post on Twitter and like Orlando Pinstriped Post on Facebook.