After trading veteran guard Jrue Holiday for All-Star Damian Lillard during the previous offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense dropped significantly. The front office can remedy that by trading for Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes before the new campaign starts.
Barnes was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2012 NBA draft. He had an impressive rookie season, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2013. Over the next few years, he established himself as a key contributor for the Warriors, coming off the bench as a sixth man in 2013-14 and then starting during their championship-winning 2014-15 season. That year, he was a key part of the Warriors’ record-setting 73-win season.
In 2016, the former Golden State star joined the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent. He spent three seasons in Dallas, putting up solid numbers as a starter. In 2019, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he has continued his productive NBA career.
Throughout his professional journey, Barnes has proven to be a versatile, two-way player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He was a member of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. With over a decade of NBA experience, the Kings forward has established himself as a valuable veteran presence in the league.
Sacramento Kings’ Harrison Barnes Named As Potential Trade Target For Milwaukee Bucks
If head coach Doc Rivers wants to improve the Bucks’ defense, he needs capable guys on that end of the court without being a liability on offense. In an article for Forbes, Brian Sampson went into detail why Milwaukee must engage the Kings for Barnes’ services.
“This trade would signal the Bucks going all-in on a small-ball strategy, marking a significant shift as Antetokounmpo transitions to playing center full-time. It’s a demanding role that could wear on him, but the potential payoff is substantial.
Harrison Barnes would be an ideal small-ball four, fitting perfectly between Antetokounmpo and Middleton. His ability to switch across multiple positions and contribute solid individual and team defense makes him a valuable addition,” Sampson wrote.
In 82 games last season for the Kings, Barnes averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. He also shot 47 percent from the field, 38 percent from beyond the arc, and 80 percent from the free throw line.
It remains to be seen whether Milwaukee will pursue Barnes in the offseason or not. Nevertheless, the former NBA champion will be a good fit around Antetokounmpo and Lillard if ever the front office decides to pursue him.
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