Q7: Are The Kings Going To Regret Giving Harrison Barnes $85 Million?
Ritter – “Doubtful. Given his past difficulties as a primary option, it’s easy to look at Harrison Barnes’ deal in a vacuum, laugh and say “KANGZ” before moving on. However, there are few people on the planet who understand Sacramento’s difficulty in landing free agents on a discount better than Vlade Divac. Barnes at $85 million is an overpay, but not an obscene one. The amount allowed them to lock up a valuable defensive piece at a position of need. They didn’t give up a ton to acquire him in the first place, and it didn’t cost them as much as people think to keep him.”
Nunes – “No. He does everything that you would want from a small forward and the Kings were desperate to fill that hole. 40% from three, one of the best defenders on the team, and flexibility to play multiple positions makes him crucial to this roster. Additionally, with the contract being front-loaded it really is only an overpay in its initial season. About $24 million in year one and it decreases roughly $2 million as each season passes. Barnes is worth it.”
Kelly – “Barnes is the first reliable small forward for the Kings since Rudy Gay wore the purple and white. It was a weak spot that plagued the team for too long. Player after player came and went with no one fitting in: Bruno Caboclo, Jakarr Sampson, Matt Barnes, Tyreke Evans. While Justin Jackson showed flashes of talent, it was time to shore up the 3 spot. Enter Harrison.”