Harrison Barnes’ trade triggered massive reactions all over the NBA last night. One of the original Splash Brothers, who later parted ways with Golden State, was shipped from Dallas to Sacramento Kings tonight.
Nothing spectacular to earn so much hype you would say. But what is not a regular thing is that Barnes found out about his trade in the middle of the game against Charlotte Hornets. He heads to Sacramento, while Josh Jackson and Zach Randolph go in the opposite direction.
That is why most of the fans and the players around the league had negative reactions. They were calling out Mavericks’ management and giving the support to the player, who quickly left the American Airlines Center after the game, without speaking to the media. It was apparent that Barnes wasn’t feeling very comfortable when he learned about the trade and was pulled out of the game.
Dallas’ coach Rick Carlisle, was uncomfortable during the press conference too, and it was obvious that he wasn’t feeling right because of this deal. At some point he opened and said something which seemed pretty honest and from his heart.
“I mean… look, this is madness…” Carlisle opened his hands. “You know right now, this week, you know, it’s just a zoo.”
One of the best coaches in the league spoke after that about the dynamics in the business and the fact that this is just an ordinary situation, and that you have to deal with it when it happens.
The player was informed that the talks between Kings and the Mavs are happening over the past few days, and according to his agent, Jeff Schwartz he wanted to play this game.
LeBron James openly criticized this action, writing on his Instagram account that the players are called selfish when they want to get traded and tell that to the management, but when the situation is different, it is considered as a rational and business move.
Mavericks’ coach, who was deeply affected with this development, spoke only with kind and chosen words about his, already, former player.
“I am going to miss him an awful lot…. He is a special guy. He is about all the right things on the basketball floor, in the community. He is an example for what you want your kids to be.” the 59-year old stated.
For him, there is no doubt that Barnes is going to do well in Sacramento. Having in mind his progress during the last two and a half years, and the fact that he has all the right characteristics, his journey in California is going to be just fine.
As for the upcoming trades until the deadline, Carlisle is sure that we are going to see more of them, and that the “madness” will continue.
“The trade deadline goes through tomorrow afternoon, so you hang on to your you know what, there’s probably going to be more madness going around the league.”
Dallas is aggressive on the market, as they want to clear the cap for the upcoming free agency, and try to land one superstar who might form a powerful trio with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. They also have many good assets which could be used in negotiations, and they are slowly getting the frame of the team which will be here for a long time. Of course, this means lesser chances for the postseason this year.
As for Barnes, he is going to a team which aims the playoffs now. Kings have a perfect spot for him after trading Iman Shumpert, and enough money to land one more player with a huge deal, which will finish their rebuilding. Barnes has a player opt at the end of the season, and according to rumors, Sacramento wants him to sign him for long-term.
He will be the part of the team which plays basketball like the Warriors did when he was a part of the team which won the first championship. Only this time, his role will be much bigger.
Nikola Velickovic is a sports journalist who loves to write, read, and bet on all sports. Nikola contributes both news updates and functions as a betting tips writer at WagerBop.
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