Harrison Barnes
2023-24 Stats: 12.2 PPG/3.0 RPG/1.2 APG on 61.1% True Shooting
If you couldn't guess from the two hypothetical trades I proposed in the previous slides, Harrison Barnes is the King that I think is most likely to be traded this offseason.
It's simple logic. The Kings are a good team, but to be a great team, they need to upgrade their roster. Looking at their starting lineup, De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are flawed, but they are still high-end players for their positions. Keegan Murray is the team's best young player. Huerter is primed for a bounce-back season. And if he isn't, Keon Ellis seems ready to take on the mantle of starting two-guard.
That leaves Barnes as the odd man out. If the Kings want to seriously compete for an NBA title, they need to get a starting power forward who does a better job of compensating for Sabonis' weaknesses (shooting and rim protection).
Barnes does the first part well (38.7% 3-point shooter on good volume last year), but he leaves a lot to be desired in the second area (7th percentile block rate). The Kings will probably try to move him for a power forward who does a better job of giving you both of those things.
The good news is that Barnes is on a solid contract (two years left on his three-year, 54-million dollar deal) and can still help good teams win basketball games.
For instance, if that Pelicans trade we suggested came to fruition, Barnes could serve as a great kickout option for Williamson after he drives and collapses the defense. The Pelicans would just need to also find a rim protecting center this offseason.
If Barnes is still on the team heading into next season, my guess is that the Kings didn't end up making any trades this offseason.