NBA Trade Rumors: Kings' Harrison Barnes 'Could Very Well' Not Get Moved at Deadline

The Sacramento Kings aren't expected to pursue a trade that results in the team parting ways with veteran forward Harrison Barnes and "could very well" keep him beyond the Feb. 8 trade deadline, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

He's remained effective at spacing the floor for De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, starting in all 46 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season. Per Fischer, the only player that Sacramento is interested in that would require moving Barnes is Washington Wizards wing Kyle Kuzma.

The 31-year-old has remained a consistent weapon from beyond the arc, shooting over 37 percent from three in each season that he's been in Sacramento. Barnes' name has still cropped up in trade rumors, with the Kings interested in acquiring a third star.

All-Star forward Pascal Siakam was coveted by Sacramento's front office before he was dealt to the Indiana Pacers, via Fischer. The Kings are also interested in pursuing Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, who is averaging 21.3 points per game on 46.1/40.3/80.9 shooting splits despite playing on a lottery-bound team.

NBA insider Marc Stein revealed on Jan. 16 that the Houston Rockets have interest in trading for Barnes, although it doesn't appear that Sacramento is planning on including him in a deal that doesn't result in an upgrade at either forward spot coming back to the Kings.

After all, the team is sitting at fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 27-19. Barnes is an important part of Sacramento's turnaround that began in the 2022-23 season and will attempt to help the Kings win their first playoff series since 2004.

Although the current roster likely isn't balanced enough to realistically compete for a championship just yet, a Barnes trade only makes sense for Sacramento if a clear-cut star is returning that can help raise the ceiling of the entire team.