Harrison Barnes‘ name was in the rumor mill during the offseason and nearly halfway through the 2020-21 campaign, he’s right there again. Several teams have interest in Harrison Barnes, including the Celtics, though it remains to be seen what the Kings would need to let Barnes play for another squad.
Barnes’ contract, which was once seen as a barrier to trading for him, is starting to look much more reasonable with the 28-year-old having a solid season. The former No. 7 overall pick is making $22.2 million this season and his pact decreases ($20.3 million in 21-22; $18.4 million in 22-23) over the next two years.
Making the decision to trade Barnes, who has been one of the most reliable Kings’ player this year, might be even tougher for the franchise because of his off-court contributions, James Ham of NBC Sports contends. The forward has displayed leadership and a commitment to social change of the court while serving as a mentor to the team’s younger players. If it was just a basketball decision, trading away Barnes would be a tough call; factoring in everything that he does off the court, makes it unlikely, Ham adds.
More NBA Trade Rumors
- While the Kings are likely to keep Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica is likely to go and the Heat are among the teams interested in the forward, Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee reports. Miami hasn’t really found a replacement for Jae Crowder, who left for Phoenix during the offseason.
- The Knicks have the assets to trade for a star if one becomes available on the trade market and that’s exactly their plan, a source tells Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News. New York owns five first-rounders over the next three drafts.
- One longtime GM tells Bondy (same piece) that the Wizards have an extremely high price tag for Bradley Beal, laying out some specifics: three unprotected first-rounders, two pick swaps, a young player, and an expiring contract. As we previously reported, the Wizards remain committed to Beal, though reported asking price simply shows how much they value their shooting guard.
- Could Kevin Durant return to the Warriors at some point before his career is over? Nick Friedell of ESPN believes time away from the franchise could heal old wounds (h/t Grant Liffman of NBC Sports). KD’s contract with the Nets runs through the 2022-23 season, though the final season of that pact is a player option.
- ICYMI: The Cavaliers remain more likely than not to trade Andre Drummond before the deadline.
