Harrison Barnes – Sacramento Kings
Harrison Barnes ended up being a huge trade target for the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline this year and Boston had reached out to the Kings numerous times about potentially trading him, but ultimately, trade talks settled down and nothing ever came of their discussions around Barnes.
As a result, this offseason could result in the Celtics getting a deal done for Harrison Barnes, especially since he will be taking up a lot of cap space for the Kings and still has two years left on his deal after this season. This will be something to monitor in NBA trade rumors as the offseason approaches.
The biggest problem with the Boston Celtics over the years is that their frontcourt has been a mess and they have had no reliable secondary talent around their superstar players. Outside of Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, this team has virtually no reliable scoring options and this has negatively affected their chances for success.
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Giving up Marcus Smart in a trade for Harrison Barnes definitely affects the Celtics defensively, but they would be receiving much more offensive firepower and help rebounding from Barnes. Not to mention, with the emergence of rookie guard Payton Pritchard, the Celtics could easily replace Marcus Smart’s minutes in the backcourt.
Boston was interested in adding Harrison Barnes to their roster ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline and that interest in him should carry over to the offseason, especially if the Celtics see an early exit in the postseason.
