Indiana Pacers: Analyzing B/R’s trade proposal sending Sabonis to the Kings

How can Sacramento’s returns make a difference for the Indiana Pacers?

In this trade idea, Harrison Barnes will be front and center of what the Kings are willing to give up to acquire a much-needed frontcourt boost to accelerate their rebuild in Domantas Sabonis. The nine-year veteran, who’s best known for his stint with the Warriors, including their 2015 championship run, has been among the league’s most effective role players for quite some time now.

Hypothetically, Barnes can slide into the power forward position left by Sabonis to cement Indiana’s shift to small-ball. With TJ Warren and Myles Turner as his frontcourt partners, the 6’8 forward should thrive as an interchangeable piece on defense, using his length, athleticism and strength to make the team more switchable and mobile on the less glamorous end of the floor.

On offense, he should comfortably serve as the fourth option in the starting lineup as an efficient safety valve for when the the team needs a bailout. Last season, Barnes logged 16.1 points per game on a career-high 49.7 percent shooting from the floor. He’s also made some strides as a playmaker, recording 3.5 dimes per contest, another individual high.

Another great asset in this deal is Sacramento’s ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft. While the Pacers have their own lottery selection, the Kings’ pick will almost certainly translate into a young stud who can immediately contribute to the team, arming Indiana with two first-round picks whom they can develop for future flexibility or dangle to another team to acquire an established piece.

While the 39th pick is not as sterling, it should give Indy a chance to snag another asset in the draft, which figures to be a very deep one. Lastly, guard Delon Wright should slot in as a part of the rotation as a former Rick Carlisle player, especially if TJ McConnell skips town in free agency.

Overall, the Kings have what it takes to field an intriguing and viable offer for Domantas Sabonis that will benefit both all parties involved especially with the foundation of the proposed deal equating to a higher upside for both teams—Indiana seeking an overdue answer for their big man conundrum and last season’s defensive decline and Sacramento needing an established star to end their historic playoff drought.