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

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?