Harrison Barnes will be one of the most intriguing free agents this summer. The forward has been an integral part of two great Golden State Warriors teams.
Barnes brings value as a decent shooter, a versatile defender, and solid athlete. At his peak, he can be a premier 3-and-D wing and stretch four. However, he has not grown much as a player since being drafted. He still struggles creating off the dribble and his shot is inconsistent.
Additionally, Barnes just had a mostly horrendous postseason. Barnes’ limitations were among the major reasons for the Warriors’ disappointing finish to a great season.
That doesn’t mean the Sixers can’t use him, though!
The Sixers plan to be serious suitors for Golden State restricted free agent Harrison Barnes at the start of free agency, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 28, 2016
The Philadelphia 76ers are in dire need of talent. They have a young roster filled with unproven players and have been among the worst teams in the league for years. With new management, it appears the Sixers are looking to add more established players to accelerate this rebuild.
Barnes would be an immediate upgrade for Philadelphia. But is he worth the gamble? The Sixers are already loaded with frontcourt players after the draft. Barnes is a small forward who plays better as a power forward.
If the Sixers are willing to take gambles on players like Barnes (restricted free agents with talent but limitations scaring off others) then it may be more worthwhile to add to the backcourt instead. That said, adding Barnes even at a max deal would not be the end of the world for Philly.
As a restricted free agent, the Warriors would be able to match any offer to Barnes. However, if the team is pursuing Kevin Durant, they may have to allow their forward to walk away.
Also worth noting is that by joining Team USA earlier this week, Barnes now has a bit of a connection to the Colangelos who run the Sixers. Food for thought.
