Harrison Barnes
Technically, Harrison Barnes plays both forward positions, but for the purposes of this article he will be categorized as a small forward. With that being said, he’s a rather interesting potential trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Barnes started out on the Golden State Warriors and won a championship with them. He’s also been on the Dallas Mavericks and is currently on the Sacramento Kings. Sometimes it feels like he’s been putting up empty calorie stats, which means he’s been scoring a lot on bad teams.
Still, there’s no denying he has legit skills. This season, he’s averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting 44.9 percent from the floor and 34.3 percent from deep. He’s a career 37.1 percent 3-point shooter. He’s a legit two-way player that could help a contender get over the top.
Getting him to the Sixers would mean that Philly would break up their core as he’s making $24.1 million this season. However, it might be worth it as the Sixers appear to be stuck in the middle of the Eastern Conference. Below is a hypothetical deal that might land Barnes in Philly.
This isn’t the first time that I’ve suggested the 76ers should trade Al Horford to the Kings. They liked him this past summer and would be an answer for them in the middle. Despite that, it would still take a first round pick.
The 2020 first round pick, via the Oklahoma City Thunder is top-20 protected (per RealGM) and based on current standings, that pick would be the 17th pick in the draft. That would mean the pick would become two future second round picks in 2022 and 2023.
Sacramento and Philly would need to make additional trade to balance out their respective roster, but essential swapping Horford for Barnes might be the best bet for both clubs. The Kings and Sixers aren’t were they were projected to be, so switching things up could help improve both of their fortunes.