With a 13-11 record, the Boston Celtics find themselves in the thick of the fight for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, where they currently sit at the fourth spot. With the March 25 trade deadline approaching, the Celtics are reportedly looking to add more talent to their roster as they prepare for another playoff run. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, one potential target for Boston is Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes.
The Celtics still have a $28.5 million trade exception after Gordon Hayward left the team in the offseason in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets, and they could use this to acquire Barnes. The 28-year old is having an impressive season for the Kings, averaging 16.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.0% from beyond the arc in 24 games.
The former NBA champion ranks second on the Kings in scoring behind guard De’Aaron Fox, third in rebounds, and third in assists. In addition, the four-year, $85 million extension that Barnes signed with Sacramento in 2019 also declines each season, making it a deal that the Celtics could possibly consider.
Harrison Barnes would certainly be a nice addition for Boston in the fight for the East, but Amick added that there is the impression that the Kings are not interested in moving the former North Carolina Tar Heel at the trade deadline. With a 12-12 record, the Kings are also in contention for the playoffs in the Western Conference, as they are in 10th place and just two games behind the eighth spot.
There’s a lot that can still happen between now and the trade deadline next month, but for now, there appears to be an obstacle in the way of the Celtics acquiring one of their targets to help the team for their playoff run.
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