The marriage of Harrison Barnes and the Golden State Warriors seems like one made in heaven. The 6-foot-8 forward is a perfect fit schematically for the Warriors’ versatile small-ball style and the organization is known for taking care of its best players. It’s no surprise, then, that Barnes wants to be with the Warriors for 2015-2016 and beyond.
However, Barnes is due for a contract extension and will have the next few months to work out the details with the Warriors. If Halloween comes and goes without a new agreement between the sides, Barnes will become a restricted free agent next season, as noted byDiamond Leung of the San Jose Mercury-News:
“I mean, we just won a championship,” Barnes said. “Of course I’d love to keep this group together for many years to come, you know what I’m saying? So that’s obvious.”
The Warriors are already shelling out big bucks for its star-studded lineup, recently completing deals for players like Draymond Green (five years, $85 million). How much more can the organization give Barnes, no matter how much they love him? It just depends on how big of a luxury tax bill owner Joe Lacob is comfortable footing.
Both parties in this case clearly want to get things done, but the major question is whether they can agree on a number between now and Halloween. We’ll find out soon enough.
