Harrison Barnes could emerge as an option for the Indiana Pacers in free agency, according to NBA insider Scott Agness.
Barnes becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. The Sacramento Kings small forward played for Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on the Dallas Mavericks.
“Harrison Barnes, who played in Dallas and later was Buddy Hield’s vet in Sacramento, could emerge as an option in free agency,” Agness wrote.
Barnes averaged 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists this past season for the Kings while shooting 47.3% from the field, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 84.7% from the free-throw line. He played with Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and shooting guard Buddy Hield in Sacramento.
The 31-year-old Barnes has career averages of 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists with the Golden State Warriors, Mavericks and Kings. He won the 2015 championship with the Warriors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers Updates
The Pacers won only 35 games this past season. They finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, one spot behind a potential play-in berth. Indiana hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020.
Haliburton is one of the best players in the NBA. The 23-year-old averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists this past season while shooting 49.0% from the field, 40.0% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line. Haliburton recorded 32 double-doubles in 56 games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings & Indiana Pacers Updates
A Wisconsin native, Haliburton has committed to play for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Team USA starts training camp on August 3 in Las Vegas and will play its first exhibition game on August 7 against Puerto Rico. World Cup play begins on August 26 against New Zealand.
The Pacers are expected to sign Haliburton to a maximum rookie-scale contract extension this summer.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
