Warriors end extension talks with Harrison Barnes
The Golden State Warriors and swingman Harrison Barnes have shelved talks about an extension ahead of next Monday's deadline.
The two sides failed to find a middle ground in negotiations, general manager Bob Myers announced Tuesday. Instead, Barnes will become a restricted free agent next summer.
"The deal has to work for Harrison and the organization," Myers explained to Sam Amick of USA Today. "And I always - maybe it’s my background (as a player agent) - but I always respect the position that an athlete takes in these situations. And now, representing the organization, we’re going to make the decision the best decision for us.
"I would not say (they’re) disappointed, would not say frustrated. Like I said, (Barnes) has conducted himself tremendously well - as has his representative - and I think we ended the discussions in a very healthy place, if that’s possible. And I say that will all sincerity."
After the Warriors' title run, Barnes proclaimed he'd "love to keep this group together." However, Barnes turned down a four-year, $64-million extension offer from the Warriors after months of negotiations.
On the surface, $64 million is an enormous figure for the Warriors' fourth option in Barnes. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and even Draymond Green rank ahead of him in the Warriors' pecking order, and Barnes' backup, Andre Iguodala, captured Finals MVP honors in June.
The complicating factor, however, is the escalating cap, slated to rise from $70 million to $90 million next offseason. Barnes is in line for a significant raise either way - and if he has a breakout campaign, the 24-year-old could command more than the Warriors are presently willing to offer.
Should Barnes take another step in his development and draw even bigger dollars, the Warriors would still reserve the right to match any offer Barnes signs, so long as they tender him a qualifying offer.
Andrew Bogut on Harrison Barnes: "He's betting on himself, so you can't argue with that."
— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) October 27, 2015
After struggling in a sixth-man role in his sophomore campaign, Barnes emerged as a two-way contributor last year, with robust averages of 10.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 40.5 percent shooting from deep. He's a versatile defender who can check both wings and power forwards, while also ranking as a deadly shooter from the corners.
The Warriors selected Barnes eighth overall in 2012.