Sports

Forest Hills' Harkless Included in Howard Trade

The former Ranger will play his first NBA game with Orlando, after blockbuster four-team deal.

Sports fans in Forest Hills always thought his game had a little magic in it, anyway.

Former basketball standout Moe Harkless, who was selected in the first round of the NBA draft by the , was included in a four-team trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported Thursday night.

Harkless will now suit up for his rookie season as a member of the Orlando Magic.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Harkless played at Forest Hills High School before transferring prior to his senior season to South Kent in Connecticut. He then played one year of college ball for St. John's in Fresh Meadows, Queens.

He averaged 15.5 points per game in his one and only college season, and earned the Big East's Rookie of the Year honor.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The trade is seen as a bit of a rebuilding move for the Orlando franchise, giving up an established marquee player in Howard and getting a top-flight rookie and several future first-round draft picks in return. 

It's also a disappointment for Brooklyn Nets fans, who had hoped to trade for Howard before the team's inaugural season in

Will you follow the local athlete's NBA career? Let us know in the comments. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Forest Hills