Harrison Barnes Is Likely Staying With The Sacramento Kings

Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it seems like Harrison Barnes will be staying with the Sacramento Kings for at least another season.

Last February the Sacramento Kings took a gamble and traded for Harrison Barnes from the Dallas Mavericks. With this move, the Kings were hoping that they acquired their starting small forward for the future which at the time was a position of need in their personnel.

During his short time with the Kings, Barnes was an asset on both ends of the floor. In the 28 games he played in purple, he averaged around 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists per game while making around 46% of his shots from the floor, 41% of his three-pointers, and 80% of his free-throws.

Could Barnes Leave Sacramento?

Even though the Kings traded for Barnes in the hope that he can be their long-term small forward, there is the possibility that he could not be with the Kings next season. Right now, Barnes has one more year on his four-year contract worth over $94 million, but that one year is a player option in which Barnes has the decision whether to stay on his current deal or become a free agent this summer.

There is the possibility that Barnes could opt out of his contract to become a free agent, but recent action has me believing that he will opt in and remain a King.

Barnes Embracing Being A King

During this offseason, Barnes has represented the Kings organization in India where he is promoting the organization and the NBA. He also has mentioned various times in interviews and a podcast episode about his excitement for the purple and white going forward and how he is stoked to visit India again when the Kings go there during their preseason.

Final Thoughts

Although nothing is official and his quotes about the team may not be completely pure, I do believe Harrison has grown fond of the Kings will opt into the final year of his contract.

The Kings are in need of a starting small forward who can give them solid production on both sides of the ball, and I believe Harrison is motivated to fulfill that role for Sacramento. Plus knowing that Barnes’ player option is worth a little over $25 million is something I am sure he is not opposed of either.

Whether Kings fans want Harrison Barnes on there team or not, the likelihood is that he will be rocking the purple and white next season.

Hey, Kings fans. To give us your thoughts on whether you want Harrison to remain on your team, feel free to comment on our website, Facebook page, or Twitter account.