Harrison Barnes' Spurs deal has a hidden trade deadline motive

The San Antonio Spurs giving Harrison Barnes an $8 million contract opened up more trade avenues at the deadline. As long as the Spurs are under the first apron after the trade, they can add $7.5 million in salary whenever the matching salary is between $7.5 million and $29 million. Getting Barnes’ expiring deal in that range opens the door for San Antonio to land a $15.5 million option at the deadline.

The Spurs could target someone like Herb Jones, Isaiah Stewart, or Rui Hachimura just by using Barnes and the necessary draft capital. If HB only got $7 million in free agency, that wouldn’t be possible. Barnes can’t be traded until Dec. 15, but the Spurs may look to move on before the trade deadline. The odds increase if a hole develops that San Antonio must plug.

The Spurs should already be looking at potential trade deadline targets. They did nothing last February and were just a piece or two short of winning a championship. San Antonio added Tobias Harris this summer, but that may not be enough. They should have no qualms about trading Barnes if they can find the right deal.

Harrison Barnes gives Spurs trade deadline chip they might need

Barnes averaged 9.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 25.8 minutes per game last season. He lost his starting role down the stretch and became unplayable in the NBA Finals. Head coach Mitch Johnson didn’t play HB in the final three games, and it clearly looked like it was time to move on.

The Spurs brought the 34-year-old back because he is a positive locker room presence and a capable veteran. The 6’7 forward could help San Antonio during the regular season, but the goal should be winning a championship. Having Barnes make $8 million gives the Spurs the perfect amount of room.

San Antonio is $8.0 million under the first apron, where they are hard-capped. They can only take back $7.5 million more in a trade if they stay under the first apron. Barnes making $8 million would allow San Antonio to use the full $15.5 million and have $0.5 million to spare.

Barnes isn’t the only player the Spurs could make available. Keldon Johnson is on a $18 million expiring contract, and the front office could pair those two to get someone making $32.5 million or less this season. San Antonio has a ton of draft capital and could make virtually any necessary move before February’s deadline.

The Spurs signed Harris to take Barnes’ minutes. It will be difficult to get HB significant run with so many talented wings on their roster. San Antonio may have signed Barnes to make him a trade chip at the deadline. They have significantly more flexibility to improve their roster and fill holes with Barnes locked in for $8 million this season.

The San Antonio Spurs don’t usually make deadline trades, but that could be changing. They acquired De’Aaron Fox midseason and could look to plug whatever holes spring up before the 2027 deadline. The Spurs are among the title favorites and want to get Victor Wembanyama his first ring. If San Antonio has a need, don’t be surprised to see them fill it using their expiring salary and draft capital.

Locking in Harrison Barnes for $8 million could look genius at the trade deadline. Fans certainly won’t be questioning this free agent deal if he turns into San Antonio’s finishing piece. It could happen, so stay tuned.

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