Harrison Barnes (Photo : Pool | Getty Images Sport)
The Golden State Warriors are in a precarious situation. Once thought as invincible, they are one loss away from failing to defend their title.
Even if they somehow overturn a 3-1 deficit against the surging Oklahoma City Thunder and eventually win a title, there are still roster issues that they need to face, specifically the free agency of Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli.
While both are restricted free agents and the Golden State Warriors have the prerogative to match, the front office has to think about the long-term implications of matching a possible max contract thrown their free agents' way.
The more intriguing angle here is that of Barnes and how the LA Lakers see him as the best fit for their swingman needs. Even Mychal Thompson, a former Laker who won championships in the Showtime era and father of Barnes' teammate Klay Thompson, mentioned how Barnes could be a star with the Lakers. His statements on ESPN Radio were transcribed on Inside the Warriors.
"I think he's capable of averaging 18 a game here if the Lakers sign him and brought him here." Thompson said. "I think he could be more of a featured scorer, maybe a No. 2 option, maybe even a No. 1 on certain nights. He's capable of putting up in the high-20s. He's a very good shooter, can get to the basket, very athletic. He just hasn't been asked to do very much in Golden State, but coming here, he'd be asked to do more, and I think he could."
The max contract for Barnes could start at a staggering $21 million and average $23 million over four years. This is why he turned down a $64 million, 4 year deal with the Warriors early this year. While the Warriors could match, that would make Barnes the highest-paid player in the team-significantly more than Steph Curry, Thompson and Draymond Green.
If the Warriors were a champion team, this move could be justified but if they fail, the Warriors might be better off to sit down and evaluate. This is why Fansided named him as one of the players most likely to move. The article also mentioned that "rumors of the Warriors being a genuine contender to win Durant's services if he leaves OKC does let Barnes know that he isn't an untouchable piece of the championship puzzle in Golden State."
Another factor that could lead to Barnes signing with the Lakers is Luke Walton. The Warriors assistant will take over the reins of the Lakers at the end of this season. It assures Barnes that he will not play in an unfamiliar system even if his teammates are different. Walton has been key in developing the potential of the Warriors' players and he would also like to have familiar faces in his new place of work.
Still, the ball is in the hands of the Warriors and their decision on whether or not they match an offer for their starting swingman. The safe bet is that they would match if they win the title and Durant is not a possibility anymore. If they don't, there is a big possibility they try something else.
