Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Predictions are just that – predictions. They can be wrong. You don’t need to tell an NBA team general manager that. They’ve seen it happen many times before.
Often, they base their predictions on smaller sample sizes. That doesn’t mean that their thinking is wrong. A team is faced with a decision.
They need to decide whether to extend a player who has generally underperformed but just had a tremendous playoff series. What kind of money should they offer them?
Take Rui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers. He was excellent in last year’s playoffs. So far, he’s been disappointing during 2023-24.
Could the Lakers flip him for Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Harrison Barnes
The Kings’ recent developments have been unpredictable in their own right. A few seasons ago, this team was expecting to build their future around a dynamic frontcourt. They had De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton on the roster. Then, they made an unexpected pivot by sending Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers.
Some thought it was a questionable move. The Kings received Domantas Sabonis in exchange for him. He’s a talented player, but he’s a somewhat problematic defender. Did the Kings sell their future for a limited present?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It’s hard to say. One thing is certain: the Kings were the best offensive team in basketball last year. Some would suggest that they justified this trade already. With that said, they’ve been somewhat disappointing in 2023-24.
Would this deal make them a better team?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
It’s hard to say. Hachimura is not generally as impactful as Barnes. He’s a less reliable floor spacer, and he’s not as strong on the defensive end. Are we sure about this?
No. With that said, Hachimura is still young. He’s got room to improve, whereas Barnes is likely to decline soon. If he fits in Sacramento, they may have a long-term piece. If he doesn’t, they may have a better trade chip than they’ve got with Barnes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, Hachimura may be a better fit alongside Keegan Murray. Murray is a high-volume three-point shooter, whereas Hachimura likes to operate from the midrange. The Kings may benefit from diversifying their shot profile.
Should the Lakers give up their midrange maestro?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
This will be disappointing for Lakers fans. When they extended Hachimura, they were expecting more than this. With that said, Hachimura has already been disappointing. What’s worse, he’s been basically the same player that he’s always been.
So is Barnes. That’s fine. He’s having a fantastic season from three-point range. His ability to space the floor should make him a better compliment to LeBron James. Barnes would open up the floor for him as a playmaker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Are they shortchanging their future a bit? Sure. With that said, the future is now for the Lakers. With James on the roster, they should be thinking about an NBA championship. With that in mind, they should be planning to win won – to the extent that they can.
