Veteran forward Harrison Barnes is an intriguing figure heading into NBA free agency. The 31-year-old former top-seven pick never morphed into the star some believed he would be coming out of North Carolina.
Instead, Barnes has continued to prove himself as one of the more underrated 3-and-D wings in the game. He’s a career 38% three-point shooter and plays solid defense out on the perimeter.
Coming off a five-year run with the Sacramento Kings, it’s highly unlikely that Barnes will return to California’s capital city. They have 2022 lottery pick Keegan Murray ready to take over at the three. Meanwhile, Barnes has seen somewhat of a downtick in production over the past couple seasons.
There’s a chance that Barnes simply looks to collect another big-time paycheck in free agency. But at 31, we wouldn’t put it past him to ring chase. That is to say, find a contending team with a specific need. It’s in this that we look at four ideal landing spots for Harrison Barnes during NBA free agency.
Related: 2023 NBA salary cap tracker
San Antonio Spurs
This could actually be the best of both worlds for Barnes. San Antonio has north of $43 million to spend under the NBA salary cap. It is coming off a 60-loss season and needs all the help it can get. With No. 1 pick lock Victor Wembanyama heading to the Spurs, contention could be in the cards sooner rather than later.
Heading back to Texas, where Barnes played for the Dallas Mavericks from 2016-19, could make sense for the veteran. It’s also not like playing for the legendary Gregg Popovich would be a step in the wrong direction. If the Spurs do end up moving Keldon Johnson as part of a package for a star, wing also becomes a need. This is a marriage that could work.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles will likely use its cap room to find an upgrade over D’Angelo Russell at point guard this summer. The Western Conference runners-ups also have to consider re-signing breakout star Austin Reaves. These are the factors that are playing against Barnes joining LeBron James in Southern California.
With that said, the Lakers could use a wing that’s able to stretch the court. That’s especially true if they are unable to re-sign Rui Hachimura in free agency. Barnes would obviously be up to the task given his track record.
- Harrison Barnes career stats: 14.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 46% shooting, 38% 3-point
To put this into perspective, Barnes’ career three-point percentage would’ve ranked third among regular rotation players on the Lakers last season. Perhaps, he takes a pay cut to join an NBA title contender.
Related: Harrison Barnes and the top 100 NBA free agents of 2023
Minnesota Timberwolves
Gasp! The Wolves have been missing a consistent wing since trading away Andrew Wiggins during the 2019-20 season. While Wiggins never morphed into a star in Minnesota, he was at least capable on both ends of the court.
The Timberwolves need to start creating a well-rounded roster if they want to take the leap from bottom-end playoff team to conference title contender. That’s where Barnes would come into play as their starting three.
Given Minnesota’s cap situation, the team would need Sacramento to agree to a sign-and-trade. That’s easier said than done when it comes to conference rivals. But we can envision a scenario in which forwards Kyle Anderson and Taurean Prince would interest Sacramento as veteran bench options.
Golden State Warriors
Back to where it all started. This isn’t as crazy as it might seem. Sure, Barnes would have to take a veteran minimum deal. That might not be in the cards. However, the idea of returning to a team he helped lead to an NBA title as the Warriors’ championship window closes could be enticing to Barnes. He also has a built-in relationship with Golden State’s core three as well as its head coach.
From the Warriors’ perspective, they have to be planning on Donte DiVincenzo opting out of his contract and chasing the Benjamin’s. Young forward Jonathan Kuminga could also be on the trade block.
The idea of teaming Barnes up with the aforementioned Wiggins could be enticing to Steve Kerr and Co. Each has the capability of playing the three and four. Each can hit the outside shot. Both are solid perimeter defenders. This possibility is all about what type of market Harrison Barnes is met with and whether he’d leave millions on the table.