Maurice Harkless, known for his defensive prowess and athleticism, began his professional basketball journey when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Orlando Magic, where he started his NBA career. Harkless spent three seasons with the Magic, where he developed his skills as a forward, known for his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor.
In 2015, Harkless was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that marked a new chapter in his career. During his time with the Trail Blazers, he became an integral part of the team's rotation. His defensive capabilities and occasional scoring bursts helped Portland reach the playoffs multiple times. Harkless's tenure with the Trail Blazers was highlighted by his role in the team's journey to the Western Conference Finals in 2019, where they faced the Golden State Warriors.
After four seasons in Portland, Harkless was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the summer of 2019. His stint with the Clippers was relatively short, as he was traded mid-season to the New York Knicks in February 2020. Despite the brief time with the Knicks, Harkless continued to demonstrate his defensive skills and veteran presence on the court.
The 2020-2021 season saw Harkless sign with the Miami Heat, where he played a limited role. Later that season, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he found more playing time and opportunities to contribute. Harkless's experience and defensive acumen were valuable assets for the Kings as they navigated a rebuilding phase.
In August 2021, Harkless re-signed with the Kings, continuing to provide depth and experience to the team's roster. His ability to adapt to different roles and teams throughout his career underscored his value as a reliable forward in the league.
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