3. Luguentz Dort
The Thunder are one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA this season. They leaped into the Play-In Tournament in 2023 but failed to qualify for the playoffs. Their young roster is loaded with talent. Many are expecting OKC to take another jump this season, but that may be difficult without a veteran leader.
Dort is an underrated perimeter defender whose playing time and production took a step backward last season. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steal in 30.7 minutes per game, but shot 38.8 percent from the field and 77.2 percent on his free throws.
Barnes would give the Thunder some needed size and leadership. OKC wants to play small with Chet Holmgren at the five. Barnes could play the four with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Williams rounding out their starting five. It would be an elite group, and the added flooring spacing and size with HB could be massive.
The Sacramento Kings would be sacrificing offense for defense, which is a necessary evil for them. Luguentz Dort could start in the backcourt next to De’Aaron Fox and guard the opposing team’s leading scorer on a nightly basis. The 24-year-old is not a perfect fit, but the defensive upgrade could be massive.