Why the Boston Celtics do it
Having just dropped a 122-108 contest to the NBA’s leader in winning percentage (the Utah Jazz), you could make the argument that the Boston Celtics lack the necessary scoring firepower to be in the same contender conversation they were in last year when they deployed Gordon Hayward at forward to provide switchability on the defensive end and over 17 points per game on the offensive end.
At 12-11, it’s not exactly a flawed argument. With Jaylen Brown now back in the lineup, the offensive output should improve, but it is clear that the added defensive attention Kemba Walker is getting from defense is slowing him down to the point that he is registering as a liability on the floor due to a lack of efficient offensive production (35% shooting from the field, 31% from the 3-point line).
Harrison Barnes would be a much-needed infusion of efficiency (42% from deep and 50% overall) that would replace Hayward’s 17 points per game and add an element of durability the current Hornets forward lacked while in Beantown.
Why the Sacramento Kings do it
For Sac-Town, this season could either be a triumphant exit from the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, or another year of progression to eventually advance to the postseason and get bounced in the first round.
If it is the latter, nabbing three picks for Barnes’ deal–once seen as an albatross–would be a boon for the Kings front office.