4 Most likely Sacramento Kings to be traded away this summer

Nov 13, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) and guard De'Aaron Fox (5) celebrate after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) and guard De'Aaron Fox (5) celebrate after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports / Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
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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.

Next. Kyle Kuzma Trade . Should the Kings trade for Kyle Kuzma?. dark