The Golden State Warriors reportedly aren’t going to let Harrison Barnes just walk away.
There’s been some talk that the Philadelphia 76ers — or maybe even some other team — might offer a huge contract to Barnes, who’s a restricted free agent, but the Warriors reportedly plan to match any offer sheet the 24-year-old forward signs.
A source doubts that Harrison Barnes will join the #Sixers. #GoldenState intends to match any offer he gets.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 1, 2016
In other words, there’s a good chance Barnes will remain with Golden State unless the Warriors are successful in their pursuit of coveted free agent Kevin Durant, who’s scheduled to meet Friday with a star-studded cast from the organization. If the Warriors ultimately land Durant, the expectation is they could turn around and trade Barnes to clear salary cap space.
Barnes, who was drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in 2012, is coming off a season in which he averaged 11.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game over 66 regular-season contests.
Thumbnail photo via Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports Images