Harrison Barnes signs three-year extension with Sacramento Kings
Harrison Barnes has agreed to a three-year, $54 million extension with the Sacramento Kings, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal between the two parties ensures that Barnes will not become an unrestricted free agent when free agency opens.
Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes – a key part of the franchise’s rise into Western Conference contention – has agreed on a new three-year, $54 million contract extension, his agent Jeff Schwartz of @Excelbasketball tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JCT4RUayt7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2023
The Kings had an outstanding year in 2022-23 and Barnes was a key piece in their success. The 31-year-old did not miss a single game in the regular seasons and started in the small forward position every night.
On the stat sheet, Barnes averaged 15 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists. This was done on solid splits as he finished the season shooting 47.3 percent from the field, 37.4 percent from three and 84.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Barnes’ extension will greatly affect the Kings’ offseason plans. Prior to the extension, the Kings sat with close to $35 million in cap space. Now, they sit around $17 million.
This move will limit the Kings’ flexibility to make a big splash. Previously, Sacramento was in a strong position to make a run at one of the premier free agents available on the market. That will be much more difficult after ensuring Barnes would remain a King. Nonetheless, $17 million in cap space is nothing to laugh at.
As the Kings’ enter the 2023-24 season, a ton of familiar faces will take the floor at the Golden 1 Center. Franchise pillars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are returning alongside Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray. With Barnes under contract, the team will return all five starters.
The start of free agency will be crucial for the Kings if they want to build on the momentum they gained last season. Sacramento’s cap situation will present them with the ability to be active as they look to add the right pieces that can help them win a playoff series.
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