The Golden State Warriors could part ways with forward Harrison Barnes this summer even if they win the title again this season. And according to recent NBA trade rumors, Barnes could find himself back to North Carolina, where he spent his collegiate basketball career.
The Warriors, who currently hold a 3-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals, will face strong competition in the race to sign Barnes this summer. Golden State still have the upper hand, though, as they can match any offer to Barnes to keep the former North Carolina standout.
According to Sporting News, the Warriors are determined to re-sign Barnes no matter how much it will take them to keep their roster intact. But in the event Barnes tells the Warriors front office that he wants to play elsewhere, the two parties could agree to execute a sign-and-trade agreement.
If the Warriors and Barnes agree to a sign-and-trade deal, the 24-year-old forward could move to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Nicolas Batum, who will also hit the free agency market this summer. The Warriors will acquire a proven forward instead of losing Barnes for nothing.
Barnes, who was selected seventh overall ion the 2012 NBA Draft, could also walk away when he becomes a restricted free agent in July if the Warriors eventually sign Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. The former NBA Most Valuable Player will become an unrestricted free agent and is continuously being linked to the Warriors.
Barnes turned down a four-year deal worth $64 million last summer, as he felt he could earn a bigger contract this summer because the NBA salary cap is projected to increase significantly. The fourth-year forward averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds during the regular season.
While he is not even close to players who are expected to get maximum deals this summer in terms of his averages, several teams are reportedly interested in Barnes, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Barnes also made it no secret he wants to stay with the Warriors, but admitted there are factors that are out of his control.
"I love Golden State. I'd love to be here," Barnes told NBA.com, when asked about his impending free agency. "But there's also some other factors that factor into that, you know what I'm saying?"
Watch Barnes' highlight plays during the 2015 NBA season below.