Skip to content

Report: Pelicans considered going all-in for Barnes last summer

USA Today Sports

The New Orleans Pelicans had forward Harrison Barnes right in their crosshairs during the summer of 2016, as they contemplated making a big offer to bring the former Golden State Warrior - and now Dallas Maverick - to the Big Easy.

With an abundance of cap space at their disposal, the Pelicans discussed throwing all of their available finances at Barnes in an attempt to sign him, sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.

The 24-year-old Barnes told Lowe earlier this week that had New Orleans put an offer on the table, he would have definitely considered it.

Related - Report: Pelicans, Hawks had exploratory talks about Howard trade

Ultimately, though, the Pelicans decided to spread the wealth around by signing Solomon Hill (four years, $50 million), Terrence Jones (one year, $1.1 million), E'Twaun Moore (four years, $34 million), and Langston Galloway (two years, $10 million) to shore up depth.

Barnes wound up heading to the Lone Star State on a max contract worth $94 million over four years with Dallas. He's currently putting up the strongest numbers of his young five-year career, averaging 20.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 47.6 percent shooting in 41 games.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox