NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Harrison Barnes
One surprising played to be linked to the Lakers by Pincus is Harrison Barnes, currently a member of the Sacramento Kings. With Sacramento featured heavily in the rumor mill with very few of the players on their roster seemingly safe in NBA trades, LA’s due diligence regarding Barnes is justifiable.
Barnes has been a quality veteran in this league for the past decade, serving as a starting power forward on the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 championship team. Over the past three and a half seasons with Sacramento, Barnes has been a solid rotational piece by averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest.
Looking at his hypothetical fit with the Lakers, Barnes is capable of playing either forward spot and providing offense while providing serviceable defense. The 29-year-old would be an easy fit with LA’s other top players, such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving them the boost that they need now more than ever.
While Barnes makes sense for the Lakers, his salary makes it tough to envision a deal coming to fruition. The forward is on the books for approximately $20 million this season, and Los Angeles would have to do some serious negotiating to piece together a desirable package.
It also does not bode well for the Lakers that they reportedly left the Kings angered after backing out of a deal (subscription required)the two teams had in place for Buddy Hield this past offseason in favor of Westbrook, as reported by The Athletic’s Bill Oram, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick.
That may make the Kings hesitant to work with the Lakers again, but who knows. If they let bygones be bygones and work something out, Barnes would be a great addition to the Lakers.