The Kings are expected to explore trades centered on small forward Harrison Barnes and shooting guard Buddy Hield, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line and RealGM.
Per Stein, there is a “rising belief around the league” that the King are determined to deal Barnes ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline. RealGM added that the Kings are “expected to trade” Hield as well.
Kings general manager Monte McNair has been open to altering the roster as the team tries to position itself for a spot in the postseason play-in tournament. Sacramento entered Friday 4.5 games back of the Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Barnes, 29, is 6-foot-8 and averaging 16.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in 39 games. He remains one of the prototypical “3-and-D” forwards. He signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Kings in 2019.
Hield, 29, is 6-4 and has compiled averages of 15.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 44 games. He has been at the center of trade rumors since the offseason, when the Lakers and Kings reportedly agreed to the framework of deal that would have sent Hield to LA.
Earlier this season, the Kings were also said to be exploring trading forward/center Marvin Bagley III, but that buzz has cooled considerably since Alvin Gentry took over as interim coach.
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Barnes contract was a bad one from day one. Excellent as a role player though.
The game of basketball itself might like to see Buddy Hield elsewhere. Too much talent for a team that accomplishes so little with it. Before they waste away his career completely, perhaps the basketball Gods help trade him to a better fit where we can see him in the playoffs too.
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I believe statistically that when you get Barnes touches eatly in the game and ends up with 15 plus or more points the kings win at least 70% or more times. Portland had been looking for a good wing player and their 2 guards can’t do it all. We have the piece we need. You can never have enough good shooters regarding Buddy
Would LOVE to see Buddy Hield poppin three CONSISTANTLY for the CAVS. The current defense does very well, but having someone besides Darius nailing the threeball would severely help Darius get more openings or even some rest time. Yes their getting the job done most of the time, but there’s times where over passing the ball, not getting the shot off really loses them SO many possessions ! Hield pops them with consistency & would be an advantage, particularly off the bench or maybe starting too. It would definitely keep oppositions defense stretched. Cavs three consistency needs a bump. Hield’s position for 3’s is just behind Curry’s with 160 made so far this season. ! ! ! !