Milwaukee Bucks: Why adding Harrison Barnes makes sense in package deal
With the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly exploring taking on Harrison Barnes in trade talks, we outline why adding the veteran forward makes sense for them.
The rumor mill revolving around the Milwaukee Bucks continues to churn ahead of a pivotal offseason.
We saw late last week a spate of rumors surface courtesy of ESPN’s Zach Lowe and among them included the Bucks having entertained scenarios in which they take on Harrison Barnes from the Sacramento Kings.
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Of course, such a scenario would be contingent on the Bucks and the Kings working out a sign-and-trade deal for restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic, whom the Bucks “love,” as Lowe noted.
The Bucks’ infatuation with Bogdanovic notwithstanding, Barnes represents a fascinating look into the Bucks’ views on the lengths they would go in trying to get a deal done for the Serbian international.
That’s not an entire slight to Barnes and who is as a player, but more speaks to the salary attached to him after signing a four-year, $85 million contract with the Kings just last offseason. With $60.8 million committed to him over the next three seasons, including the 2020-21 campaign, Barnes’ salary does decline in each and every year over the lifespan of the contract.
Obviously the gymnastics of trying to initiate and pull off a sign-and trade deal that suits both the Bucks and the Kings will be a high-wire act for all involved. The fact that the Bucks are putting out a willingness to take on Barnes in such a scenario could be music to the Kings’ ears and help the Bucks to avoid parting ways with a player or asset of note. All in the name of adding a player like Bogdanovic who they value quite a lot.
So without further ado, let’s look at some reasons why adding Harrison Barnes through a potential sign-and-trade deal with the Kings would be a sensible decision on the part of the Milwaukee Bucks.