NBA Rumors: Rockets 'Have a Level of Interest' in Trade for Kings' Harrison Barnes

The Houston Rockets are reportedly eyeing a veteran swingman ahead of next month's NBA trade deadline.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Rockets "have a level of interest in" Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes "in their quest to add shooting."

Barnes has started all 39 games for the 23-16 Kings, averaging 10.8 points while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point range. His scoring average is his lowest since the 2014-15 season, his third year in the NBA.

Despite the Rockets' interest in the 31-year-old, there's a likelihood that they don't have the type of player the Kings are seeking in return for trading him. Stein explained that Sacramento is hoping to acquire a star before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

"The Kings, though, are openly trying to use Barnes' deal (this is Year 1 of a three-year, $54 million extension) as the centerpiece of a trade package for a big-swing acquisition," Stein wrote. "Barnes' contract, for example, has been central to Sacramento's discussions with [the Toronto Raptors] about a possible Pascal Siakam swap."

The Rockets rank 11th in the Western Conference with a 19-20 record. Houston has a young core led by former top-three draft picks Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. along with promising young center Alperen Sengun, who leads the team with 21.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Veteran point guard Fred Van Vleet has performed well in his first year with the team, averaging 17.1 points and 8.5 assists.

Adding Barnes would give the Rockets another player with championship experience who can help aid the development of the young group.