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Dallas Mavericks: Three Harrison Barnes trade ideas before deadline

ByKohl Rast|
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 9, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 9: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 9, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 27: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on December 27, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 27: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on December 27, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Barnes steps in as a temporary filler for Oladipo

The Indiana Pacers have been really impressive this year, and I don’t just mean last night when they put the hurt on the reeling Los Angeles Lakers. Victor Oladipo was truly leading one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference right up until he suffered that awful injury. Even still, the Pacers have continued to win games, going 3-4 since losing their best player.

At this point, it would be difficult for the Pacers to fall out of the playoff race in the East, but it would also be difficult for them to compete without their star. Harrison Barnes is not a perfect fit into the system and he isn’t quite as good as Victor Oladipo, but he is a player with great skills on both ends of the court that could step in and bring some solid play for the Pacers.

Indy only does this trade if they feel like they have something to fight for this season. The playoff spot is there and will probably be there either way, but the chance to win in the playoffs with the team in its current state is unlikely. Barnes gives them a shot to stay relevant this year and a nice piece next year too.

In this trade, the Mavs would be getting a serviceable backup point guard, and Tyreke Evans who is on a steady decline as a player. Make no mistake, this trade is all about cap space. Joseph would have a chance to sign with Dallas again if they wanted, but Evans would be very unlikely. Again, we get into the concerns of trading HB just for cap flexibility.

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