Kings might keep Harrison Barnes to compete for a play-in spot
The Sacramento Kings may end up keeping Harrison Barnes beyond the trade deadline in hopes of competing for a spot in the play-in tournament, according to Marc Stein.
< 24 hours to go until the NBA trade deadline: Sacramento has been sending more frequent signals that it plans to keep Harrison Barnes rather than trade him, league sources say, as it chases a playoff play-in spot.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 9, 2022
The Kings have missed the playoffs for 15 seasons in a row.
Barnes is a very good role player who positively impacts winning. The 29-year-old forward is averaging 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 2021-22. So, while he could fetch a decent return if dealt to a contender, he can also help re-establish a positive culture in Sacramento while its realigns behind Domantas Sabonis and (seemingly) De'Aaron Fox.
Barnes is signed to a four-year/$85 million deal that expires after next season. Therefore, if Sacramento insists on getting a longer-term piece back for Barnes, it can hold off on trading him until next year in hopes of breaking its 15-season playoff drought this season.