The Golden State Warriors tried to lock in Harrison Barnes this early but the player who hails from the 2012 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft class did not accept.
The Warriors are apparently trying to make sure that Barnes stays put before the deadline for offering rookie extension contracts ends on Oct. 31 and more importantly, prevent him from heading onto free agency.
Barnes is a valuable cog in the Warriors squad and should both he and the Warriors fail to come to a deal, the 23-year-old small forward is likely to be dangled with offers in 2016. Barnes was the seventh overall pick of the 2012 draft.
If so, Barnes stands to be another player that may likely be busy in the 2016 offseason, the other being Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The figures were reportedly first negotiated by Jeff Wechsler, Barnes' former agent. Barnes is now handled by a new agent in Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports so it seems that the 23-year-old small forward may be looking for something more seeing that salary caps are expected to spike by next season.
Barnes blossomed under the system of head coach Steve Kerr, making him transform into a defensive wiz and a three-point threat. He is among the key players who contributed immensely to the Warriors last season so the large figures are seemingly not surprising.
At 23, his decision moving forward could depend on if he is content with his current role or seeking something bigger. Barnes is expected to get tempting deals should he and the Warriors fail to come with an agreement this season, although Golden State could still match any offer thrown the small forward's way.
From the looks of it, it may all boil down between winning and career for Barnes moving forward. Could one title be enough for Barnes?
Winning an NBA title is any player's dream and since he has already done that at a young age, Barnes could be looking to enhance his career with bigger roles by next season.
