Boston Celtics: 4 potential trade deadline candidates

Harrison Barnes

One of the most notable players who could be on the market is Harrison Barnes. If the Sacramento Kings are willing to sell Harrison Barnes at the deadline, he might be the perfect candidate for Boston. In 35.1 minutes, Barnes is averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.8 percent from three. His playmaking, rebounding, passing and defense have all looked solid as well. His contract decreases from $22 million this year to $20 million next year and $18 million during the 2022-23 season.

Also, the Kings, with De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, are looking further in the future, so picks and young players are important to them. If the Celtics are willing to give up Romeo Langford, Tristan Thompson, possibly first-rounder unprotected and a couple of second-rounders, the Celtics might have a chance to land the forward.

With Boston, Barnes would be a nice fit at the small forward position. Smart would likely play around 30 minutes off the bench again, and the Celtics would be able to have a more reliable bench. Or, Barnes may become a sixth man of the year candidate himself.

If the Celtics want to throw their names into the contenders category once again, Barnes would be the perfect piece to do so, filling the role that Hayward had for the Celtics. And having him for a few years will correct some of their problems while their young guys start to develop.