The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly agreed to trade veteran forward Harrison Barnes to the Sacramento Kings in a multiplayer deal Wednesday.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Dallas will send Barnes to Sacramento for Justin Jackson and Zach Randolph.
Wojnarowski also noted the Mavericks are expected to discuss the 37-year-old Randolph's future with him and that the veteran big man could be released.
Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Thursday morning that "Randolph appears headed for what will be a sizable buyout market after Sacramento dealt him to Dallas in the Harrison Barnes deal." Stein noted he was told the Mavericks "won't necessitate that Randolph reports."
Barnes has enjoyed a solid season in Dallas. Through 48 games, he's averaging 17.8 points and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 39.0 percent from three.
While the Mavericks are still within striking distance of the Los Angeles Clippers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, flipping Barnes for assets was a wise move.
For one, the Mavs shed Barnes' contract. He's making $24.1 million this year and has a $25.1 million player option for 2019-20. Although Barnes could opt out and become a free agent this summer, he's likely to pick up that option.
There's little chance he can match a $25.1 million annual salary on the open market in July, and he'd then become a free agent in 2020, when there will be less competition in a weaker class compared to the star-studded group of free agents in 2019.
By offloading Barnes, the Mavericks have a little more spending flexibility, which is important after they acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the New York Knicks. Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr. will combine to earn $32.8 million in 2019-20, while Porzingis will be a restricted free agent this summer.
Barnes will help the Kings' playoff push over the second half of the season. And the desire to reach the postseason is particularly acute for Sacramento, which has finished in the lottery for 12 straight years.
The Kings also have a clear need to upgrade their depth on the wing. They've continuously loaded up on power forwards and centers and left themselves thin at the 3.
