Report: Kings exploring trade options for Barnes Huerter originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Kings got a huge boost this offseason, with Malik Monk reportedly planning to return to Sacramento and avoid NBA free agency, but their to-do list this summer is far from complete.
Keeping Monk could mean parting ways with other Kings players, including sharpshooting guard Kevin Huerter and veteran forward and NBA champion Harrison Barnes.
Sacramento remains active in exploring trade opportunities for Barnes and Huerter, Yahoo! Sports reporter Jake Fischer reported this on Friday based on sources from the league.
Fischer added that Huerter is receiving “a healthy amount” of interest from teams around the league.
The Kings have shopped their No. 13 pick in next week’s NBA draft, along with Huerter and Barnes, in potential trade packages, Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports reported Thursday.
In two seasons with Sacramento, Huerter averaged 12.9 points on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range, with 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 27.1 minutes over 134 games.
He struggled offensively last season, but has proven over his six NBA seasons that he can be a luminous shooter from beyond the arc.
Barnes has spent about six seasons in Sacramento, averaging 14.7 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field and 38.7 percent from 3-point range during that span, with 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 33 minutes.
Although his inconsistency became a growing problem this past season, Barnes is considered a true leader in the locker room who is highly respected by everyone around him. His availability, having played all 82 games in consecutive seasons, was appreciated for a team that was working well. through various rotational experiments and injuries.
There are several names associated with Sacramento this season, some more than others. Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine is one of them, although plenty of other teams have inquired about the 29-year-old All-Star, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.
However, Fischer believes the Kings are the “most likely” candidate for LaVine next season.
Other players circulating in the 916 rumor mill include Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram, who would be upgrades from Barnes in terms of production.
The Kings experienced a 16-season playoff drought two seasons ago and just missed the playoffs last season. But with Monk reportedly locked up for at least the next few years, Kings general manager Monte McNair and Co. the opportunity to take this team to the next level so they can compete in the wild, wild Western Conference.
