Harrison Barnes trade keeps getting better and better for the Spurs

Nearly 100 games into his career with the San Antonio Spurs, few would have expected that veteran Harrison Barnes would play such a huge role with the team. After all, he was acquired by the Spurs in a salary dump in a three-team trade with the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls.

The Spurs happened to have the cap space at the time and were likely far more interested in the Kings' unprotected 2031 pick swap, than Barnes.

However, Barnes has become an increasingly valuable player, with his sharpshooting being a major plus.

Through his first 97 games with the team, in a little more than a season, he is shooting a ridiculous 43.9% from three on 4.6 attempts per game. That makes him the team's best shooter. And given how light they are on shooting, his ability to space the floor has made him an extremely impactful player.

The San Antonio Spurs lucked into Harrison Barnes

Luck might be too strong of a word, but the Spurs could have just as easily used their cap space elsewhere rather than take back his contract in that three-team trade. There was even some question whether they would instead take back Kevin Huerter, given his shooting ability and him being several years younger.

Instead, the Spurs chose the veteran, and he's quickly become one of the best role players in team history. The fact that the Spurs also have the 2031 Kings pick swap in their back pocket is just icing on the cake.

Especially considering that the Kings have made the playoffs just once in the last 18 seasons. That is still several years away from potentially conveying, but it could pay off big for the Spurs if they are a contender while the Kings are, well, the Kings.

The Spurs must bring Harrison Barnes back next season

In the meantime, the Spurs have to be more than happy with Barnes, with a new contract being possible even with him being 33 years old. Bringing him back on a two-year deal for around $35 million seems like a smart choice.

His game should age well, and the Spurs are still waiting to see whether Jeremy Sochan can shoot well enough to eventually become a starter. Hopefully, Sochan can and will, though bringing Barnes back seems like a no-brainer given how terrific of a fit he's been in San Antonio thus far.