The move reunites DeRozan, a four-time All-Star, with Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, under whom he played in Toronto. DeRozan, 33, has averaged 20.1 points per game this season for Chicago, where he helped lead the Bulls to the Eastern Conference playoffs last season.

In Barnes, 30, the Spurs acquire a reliable scorer and defender who has averaged 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds this season. Barnes is a veteran of eight NBA seasons, having previously played for the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.

“Harrison is a great player and we appreciate everything he has done for the franchise,” said Kings general manager Monte McNair. “We wish him all the best in San Antonio.”

The trade marks a significant shift in direction for both teams. The Kings, who have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years, are now rebuilding around young stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The Spurs, who have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, are hoping that DeRozan can help them return to contention.

The deal was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some praised the Kings for acquiring a younger and more dynamic player in DeRozan, while others questioned if DeRozan, who is entering his 15th NBA season, has enough left in the tank to lead a playoff contender.

The Kings will now have to find a way to replace Barnes’ production, while the Spurs will have to decide how to integrate DeRozan into their young team. Both teams are expected to make further roster moves in the coming weeks before the NBA trade deadline on February 9th.