Pacific Notes: Barnes, Suns, Rajakovic, Kings

Harrison Barnes can hit the open market if he turns down his $25.1MM player option and the Kings would like to have him on the roster next season one way or another. If Barnes stays with Sacramento, it could be an indicator that the organization is on the upswing after years of perceived dysfunction, Jason Jones of The Athletic writes.

Kings’ management envisioned Barnes playing the small forward position when they traded for him at last season’s deadline. Dave Joerger had different plans, playing Barnes heavy minutes at the four spot next to Bogdan Bogdanovic at the three. Barnes at power forward also took time away from Marvin Bagley and made it more difficult for the rookie to rise to the starting lineup. Joerger has since been fired.

The Kings are hoping that their switch to Luke Walton as well as a renewed alignment between the coaching staff and front office will be viewed favorably around the league, particularly with agents. Here’s more from around the Kings and the Pacific Division:

• The Suns are closing in on hiring OKC assistant Darko Rajakovic, Marc Stein of the New York Times tweets. As we relayed earlier today, Phoenix has also pursued Willie Green, who’s currently working as an assistant in Golden State.
• The Kings have brought in six prospects for workouts, according to the team’s website. Jonathan Davis (Charlotte), Fletcher Magee (Wofford), Kouat Noi (TCU), Kris Wilkes (UCLA), Devontae Cacok (UNC Wilmington), and Jessie Govan (Georgetown) all participated in drills.
• Six more prospects will work out for the Kings on Wednesday, per the team’s website. Glynn Watson Jr. (Nebraska), Jon Elmore (Marshall), Justin Simon (St. John’s), Terry Harris (North Carolina A&T), Zach Hankins (Xavier), and Kavell Bigby-Williams (LSU).