Sometimes, an NBA player can lose their place in a team’s pecking order. For non-stars, this is a constant threat. If a team drafts a player with a similar play style, their days may be numbered. Eventually, the team is hoping that their new draftee will be the superior player.
Are Harrison Barnes’ days as a member of the Sacramento Kings coming to an end? We wouldn’t go that far. Still, Keegan Murray is nipping at his heels. These are two players that serve similar functions. Meanwhile, Murray is on the upswing, while Barnes could be on the decline.
None of this means that Barnes doesn’t remain a valuable NBA player. His ability to space the floor and defend makes him a nice piece for teams around the league. If the Kings eventually make him available, they’ll find a suitor. How about the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: G D’Angelo Russell
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, F Simone Fontecchio
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Harrison Barnes, 2027 Second-Round Pick (SAC), 2029 Second-Round Pick (UTA)
When the Kings selected Murray, they were already thinking about their team’s pecking order. With the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, the Kings were expected to select Jaden Ivey. They didn’t. In the end, Sacramento opted to select Murray with De’Aaron Fox already on their roster.
Some thought they’d made a mistake. Fans don’t like it when their team drafts for fit. Typically, they operate under the Best Player Available policy. To be sure, it’s easier to get excited about a prospect who’s perceived to have a higher ceiling. That doesn’t mean that the Kings made a mistake at all.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
So far, it looks like they made a smart decision. The Kings made a playoff run last season, and Murray was a key part of it as a rookie. That’s exactly why we’re wondering if the Kings might look to trade Barnes. Should they move him for this return?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
The Kings may have made their playoff run last year. This season, they’ll need to go further. A playoff run won’t suffice – the Kings need to win a series or two. What type of players do they need to get there?
A combo big with some defensive value would be useful. If that player was a floor spacer, that’d be even better. Olynyk ticks every box. He can play alongside Domtantas Sabonis at the 4 for stretches, and hold down the backup 5 role. He’s a good fit with this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
The Kings don’t have to make this move. They could justify keeping Barnes and Murray – their skill sets may overlap, but they’re both complimentary players. Still, if the Kings want to diversify their roster, Olynyk would be a sensible addition. Should the Jazz give him up?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
In fact, the Jazz are the team with the real positional logjam in this deal. Having added John Collins this season, they’re stacked with quality 4s. After all, Lauri Markkanen is their most important player. Something will likely have to give here.
Perhaps that’s why it’s been rumored that the Jazz would like to upgrade their backcourt. In fact, the team has been linked to Russell. They should be happy to pay this price to land him. As useful as Olynyk is, the Jazz are getting the best player in this deal. Russell is a smart playmaker who offers some floor spacing on the side.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
We’re not sure what’s going to be driving Utah next year. This team could justify either rebuilding or contending. Still, if they want to stay competitive, adding Russell would be wise. Should the Lakers move on from the floor general?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
For the Lakers, this has less to do with positional fit, and more to do with broader basketball ideas. Do the Lakers need Russell’s playmaking, or would they be more balanced with Barnes’ play-finishing? After all, they’ve got LeBron James – he’s one of the best playmakers in NBA history.
Meanwhile, this team could use some more floor spacing from their wings. Taurean Prince is solid, but he’s not enough. Cam Reddish could take a step forward, but the Lakers may not want to count on that happening. This team is a bit light on 3-and-D wings.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
Here, they land one. Barnes is a solid veteran with championship experience. All told, this deal ought to make the Lakers a more balanced team – after all, there’s nobody here to usurp Barnes.
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