Harrison Barnes (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
After Harrison Barnes was chosen for the Team USA roster for the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Philadelphia 76ers confirms that they are indeed pursuing him in free agency.
A feature article from Chris Ryan of The Ringer had the theory that Jerry Colangelo might have included Barnes in the final cut to convince him to sign with them.
The basis for the theory is that Barnes' recent slump in the Finals had shown that he was not worthy of being included in the roster. "If you watched the Warriors play in the NBA Finals, 'Olympian' is probably not the first word you think of when you hear the name 'Harrison Barnes.'"
The choice of Barnes could be rationalized by the various withdrawals of other key players. LeBron James, Steph Curry, Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard, Blake Griffin and James Harden among other stars all begged off. However, none of them were in Barnes' small forward position. Paul George, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony are all small forwards.
What the team lacks is power forwards but Durant and Anthony-even Barnes and George are all play power forward in small ball set-ups. Other power forwards who begged off like Leonard, Griffin, Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Anthony Davis could have taken Barnes spot.
One could make a case for Barnes over those who weren't chosen-Warriors teammate Andre Iguodala (simply because of the age factor), Rudy Gay and Kenneth Faried did not have convincingly better seasons than Barnes had.
Recently, reports from ESPN came out that the Sixers will pursue Barnes, possibly offering the max.
"Sources told ESPN.com that the Sixers have Barnes high on their list of potential targets and know the Warriors will not be able to retain him -- despite their right to match any offer Barnes gets -- if Golden State manages to win the Kevin Durant sweepstakes," according to a joint report from Marc Stein and Marc Spears.
They also define the terms of restricted free agency: "If Barnes signs an offer sheet with another team July 8, when the league's annual moratorium on signings and trades is lifted, Golden State would have three days to match the offer or lose Barnes."
Durant is expected to make a decision before he leaves for an Asian tour to promote his shoes on July 9-well within the deadline for the Warriors to match.
Apparently, it's not really Barnes decision to make-it's the Warriors. Even if Team USA director Jerry Colangelo convinces him to sign, it's all for naught if Golden State decides to match. The decision rests on Kevin Durant. If KD agrees to sign with the Warriors, they (have to) let Barnes walk. If KD doesn't choose Golden State, the Warriors would keep Barnes around.
