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Report: Suns ‘expressed interest’ in Kings’ Harrison Barnes

Nov 18, 2022, 9:58 AM | Updated: Nov 21, 2022, 9:18 am

Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the ...

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on February 21, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Athletic’s Shams Charania released a report Friday saying the Atlanta Hawks have “opened up preliminary trade discussions” around starting power forward John Collins.

Charania names the Phoenix Suns as a team “showing desire in Collins.” And while the Sacramento Kings aren’t listed as a team interested in the Atlanta forward, they are mentioned elsewhere.

While the article focuses on Collins and the Suns trying to move on from disgruntled forward Jae Crowder, Charania slips in this note as well.

The Suns have a handful of first-rounders to move, but given the team’s impending ownership change, it’s also uncertain how many future assets the current regime can move. In addition, the Suns expressed interest in forwards such as Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes, Washington’s Kyle Kuzma and Houston’s KJ Martin, league sources have said

Harrison Barnes is in the final year of a four-year, $85 million contract. Salary-wise, a Barnes for Crowder trade does not align. The Suns would have to include another piece to match Barnes’ $18 million contract.

After starting the season off slowly, the Kings’ forward has come around lately, averaging just under 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game.

The Kings are in the midst of a five-game winning streak. Does it make sense to make moves now?

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