The best teams in the NBA typically boast balanced rosters. They’ve got their best players, and then they’ve got players who complement them. If their roster is unbalanced and they have playoff aspirations, they’ll likely look to fix that.
The Sacramento Kings could use some roster balancing. In particular, this team could use a backup point guard. With that in mind, don’t be surprised if the Kings seek a backup point guard as the trade deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks could use another wing. By contrast, a team like the Washington Wizards only needs assets. Could these three teams make a deal that sends Harrison Barnes to the Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: C Richaun Holmes, C Dwight Powell, 2024 Second-Round Pick (SAC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (POR via SAC), 2025 Second-Round Pick (TOR via DAL), 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G Tyus Jones
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Harrison Barnes
After all, the Wizards are not one of the best teams in the NBA. They’re one of the worst. The Wizards are in the beginning stages of what should be a long rebuilding process.
For a long time, they resisted that process. The Wizards fielded mediocre teams on an annual basis. They would either barely make or miss the playoffs – but they never had a chance to win an NBA title.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Roster balance was not the issue – top-end talent was. Bradley Beal is a dynamic scorer but was never good enough to lead a championship push.
Now, the Wizards will seek a player who meets that standard. Does this deal help them get there?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
The Wizards need to prioritize draft capital. Nothing else matters for them at this moment. They need to take stock of the value of their veterans and move them to the highest bidder.
Could Jones fetch them a first-round pick? It’s possible. He’s not a star player – the pick won’t be unprotected. Still, the Wizards may find a lottery protected first for him. If they can, they should take it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Otherwise, four second-rounders ought to do. The Wizards can use these picks to fill out their roster with young talent or make a trade down the road. Either way, they’re getting assets.
Should the Kings give up assets for Jones?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
In theory, the Kings have their backup point guard. Davion Mitchell has shown potential throughout his NBA career. That said, it hasn’t looked like the Kings trust him this year. Mitchelll’s offense may be too raw for a contending team.
By contrast, Jones is polished. He leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio on an annual basis. Jones can pilot an offense at a high level, and he’s a capable floor spacer as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks Updates
He’s worth the price of Barnes to Sacramento. Keegan Murray has usurped him, and Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk can both spend time on the wings. Should the Mavericks covet Barnes?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
For Dallas, this is a pure roster upgrade. Holmes hasn’t been in their rotation for most of the year. Recently, Powell hasn’t looked like a major part of this team since returning from injury. Derrick Lively III is the starter, and the Mavericks can replace either of these veterans on the buy-out market.
By contrast, reuniting with Barnes makes sense. He’s not an especially strong defender, but he is serviceable. More broadly, he’s a big body and the Mavericks are lacking size in their forward spots.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Offensively, he remains a strong floor spacer. Barnes can create for himself when needed as well. He’ll make the Mavericks a better team: and give them a more balanced roster.
