Reports: New Orleans Pelicans show trade interest in Kings’ De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes
The Kings are exploring their options leading up to next week’s NBA trade deadline after moving on from their pursuit of Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons. Recent reports suggest the New Orleans Pelicans might be one of the teams they’ve been talking to.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst highlighted the Pelicans as one of three “situations to monitor” going into Thursday’s trade deadline. Windhorst reported the Pelicans are pursuing Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox, Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum and Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon. Windhorst prefaced his remarks by saying the situation in New Orleans is a bit murky, noting the Pelicans have not provided a medical update on Zion Williamson, who has yet to return from offseason foot surgery.
“You have the Zion Williamson saga in New Orleans,” Windhorst said. “We were supposed to get our latest update a week ago. No update has been forthcoming from the Pelicans, yet they are out there trying to trade for a big-name guard. They are out there trying to trade for CJ McCollum, trying to trade for De’Aaron Fox, looking at bringing Eric Gordon, who left unceremoniously years ago after the Chris Paul trade. … They look like they’re going to be buyers, but we don’t know what’s happening with Zion.”
Windhorst’s remarks came on the heels of a report from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, who reported the Pelicans have entertained a deal involving Harrison Barnes and Josh Hart.
“The Pelicans are also said to be revisiting a trade package for Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes that was discussed as a potential sign-and-trade for Josh Hart this past offseason,” Fischer wrote.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor recently reported the Utah Jazz is another team that has engaged the Kings in talks for Barnes. Utah is also reportedly interested in Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant, a player the Kings have been linked to in trade rumors.
Fox is making $28.1 million in the first year of a five-year, $163 million max contract. Fox’s name has come up in trade rumors, but the Kings have maintained they intend to build around Fox and second-year guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Barnes has one year remaining on the four-year, $85 million deal he signed with Sacramento in 2019. He is owed $20.3 million this season and $18.4 million next season.
Hart is a 26-year-old shooting guard who has started 39 games for the Pelicans this season. He is averaging a career-high 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.5% from the field and 32.3% from 3-point range. He has two years remaining on a three-year, $37.9 million deal. Next season is non-guaranteed and the final year includes a player option.
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 12:24 PM.
