An Eastern Conference team has been urged to trade for San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes.
An Eastern Conference team led by three All-Stars has been urged to trade for San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report thinks the Philadelphia 76ers should trade for Barnes.
The Sixers are led by Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.
"Ignoring the Joel Embiid impending disaster for a moment, the Philadelphia 76ers still need a power forward who can space the floor for the young guards on this roster," Swartz wrote. "Harrison Barnes is a proven professional who's made a positive impact on winning in all four of his NBA stops thus far. Now 33, Barnes is still playing at a high level, giving the San Antonio Spurs 12.3 points on 43.3 percent shooting from three last season.
"No team needs durable players more than Philly, and Barnes has played in all 82 games in each of the past three seasons. He's exactly what the Sixers need."
Barnes is making $19 million this season in the final year of his contract. He becomes an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
The 33-year-old Barnes has played for the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Spurs. He has career averages of 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the NBA.
The Spurs have several forwards on the roster, so trading Barnes wouldn't hurt their wing depth.
San Antonio is 2-0 on the season. Barnes is averaging 7.0 points, 1.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc through the first two games against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans.
The Spurs are looking to make the playoffs this season for the first time since 2019. The Sixers missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017. Embiid, George and Maxey appeared in only 15 games together because of injuries.
It will be interesting to see if the Sixers attempt to trade for Barnes. Since it's unknown when George will make his season debut, Philadelphia could benefit from trading for a steady veteran like Barnes.
A UNC product, Barnes won the 2015 championship with the Warriors.