Harrison Barnes (Photo : Photo: Harrison Barnes Twitter)
According to a recent report by Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Golden State Warriors forward, Harrison Barnes turned down a lucrative $64-million, four-year contract extension from the team.
Barnes, who's now entering his fourth NBA season, rejected the $16-million per year offer, opening up the possibility that he could be a restricted free agent next summer.
Following a breakout year, in which he posted career highs in points (10.1), rebounds (5.5), and three-point shooting accuracy (40.8%), Barnes' versatility and potential will make him one of the prime targets in the 2016 off-season.
On paper, losing Harrison Barnes to free agency next year won't be a huge problem for the Golden State Warriors as the team's quite loaded with talented, multiple-position wing players with the likes of Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green.
On the other hand, the former North Carolina standout would be a welcome addition to whichever team picks him up.
Last season, the 6-foot-8 forward was a vital cog in Steve Kerr's small ball system, where Barnes played a cross between a No. 4 and a No. 3 guy.
When playing the four-position, Barnes was able to drive out opposing big men with his sweet shooting touch from three.
On defense, his length and quick feet provided problems to guards and forwards of the other team. In a pick-and-roll driven offense, he has the confidence to switch and pressure the ball carrier, preventing a quick lob to a sliding big.
So does Andre Iguodala.
So does Draymond Green.
If push comes to shove, and Barnes leaves the Bay Area in favor of a different zip code, all won't be lost.
One silver lining would be having cap room for say a Luol Deng, a Joakim Noah, a Dwyane Wade, or quite possibly - in a perfect, alternate universe - a Kevin Durant.
As tactless and as harsh as it may sound, for the Golden State Warriors, Harrison Barnes is an indispensable dispensable piece.
