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3 ways the Sabonis for Haliburton trade could impact the Boston Celtics

By Andrew DiIorio

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a play in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on November 08, 2021 in Sacramento, 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)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a play in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on November 08, 2021 in Sacramento, 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) /
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With the Boston Celtics watching on, the Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers shook the NBA Tuesday morning, agreeing on a trade revolving around Domantas Sabonis and Tyrese Haliburton.

Many were shocked by this reported transaction, with the Kings seemingly landing a future All-Star with their late lottery selection in 2020, only to trade him halfway into his second season.

Sure, they acquired another star in Sabonis, but how much does a duo of him and De’Aaron Fox move the needle for the playoff-starved Kings?

For Indiana, they get a jump start on their rebuild, locking up a backcourt of Haliburton and Chris Duarte for years to come. Overall, Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the league is ‘stunned’ by the trade, believing that the Pacers clearly came out on top.

How does this trade impact the Boston Celtics?

With all of that being said, there are some interesting angles to take from the C’s perspective regarding this trade. They’ve been interested in players from both the Kings and Pacers over the past few deadlines — now with their rosters considerably altered, Boston’s plans will have to change.

Let’s run down 3 takeaways from the biggest blockbuster of the season thus far:

Boston Celtics Sabonis/Haliburton takeaway No. 1) The state of Harrison Barnes

The Boston Celtics have been connected to Harrison Barnes for the longest time, as he would slide in as a great 3-and-D wing alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. With the trade for Sabonis, the Kings don’t really have a clear direction, leaving Barnes’ status up in the air.

Truth be told, any contender should want to add Harrison Barnes to their rotation. Averaging 16.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 40.6% from deep, the veteran has proved his value in this league.

A potential deal involving Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson could be intriguing for both sides, with the Kings acquiring two rotation-level players for one. For the C’s, Barnes would likely slide into the starting power forward position, accounting for a potential trade of Al Horford.

He would provide the team with much-needed spacing for both Tatum and Brown, increasing the offensive upside of the starting unit as a whole.

With that being said, it’s possible Sacramento will hold onto Barnes past this week, as they’re attempting to go for a play-in spot with the acquisition of Sabonis. However, if those hopes don’t come to fruition, a potential move of Barnes in the offseason may become available, as his contract’s set to expire after the 2022-23 season.

Ultimately, who knows what the Kings are up to?

But it doesn’t hurt for President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens to pick up the phone and call about the availability of the North Carolina product.

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