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Heels in the NBA: Harrison Barnes is an intriguing 2016 Free Agent

By Horran Cameron

May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first half in game two of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 118-91. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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What will former UNC star Harrison Barnes do this summer?

During the summer of 2016, the Olympics will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Currently, Barnes remains one of 31 finalists to make the 2016 USA Men’s National Basketball team. In addition, Golden State’s Harrison Barnes will become a free agent.

Barnes is arguably the best professional basketball player in the NBA from UNC at the moment.

After just four years in the NBA, Barnes has already started for a championship team and could possibly win another championship with the Golden State Warriors. However, they must defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Memorial Day to make it to the championship round versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Last year, Barnes turned down a four-year, $64 million extension from Golden State. Sure he turned down $16 million a year to stay with the Warriors, which may sound crazy.

However, maybe Barnes wants to see his worth in Golden State versus other NBA teams.

Barnes is an integral part of Golden State’s core as he can play both forward positions and has even played a small amount at center in his career.

Monday’s game could possibly have huge indications as to what will happen to Barnes after this season.

If Golden State beats Oklahoma City, Barnes and company are vying for a back-to-back title run. If Golden State loses, Barnes will start deciding whether he wants to test the waters with another NBA team or if he will stay in Golden State.

May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the first quarter in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) drives to the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) defends during the first quarter in game six of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Barnes is not the only high profile NBA free agent, though. His current opponent, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, is the primary target of many NBA teams this offseason.

There is a chance that both players could switch locations. Imagine that.

Durant at small forward for Golden State, along with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in the backcourt.

Likewise, Barnes at small forward for Oklahoma City with Russell Westbrook and Dion Waiters in the backcourt.

There are other teams who will want Barnes’ services. But, we need to remember that Durant’s decision could impact Barnes’ choice of new locations, that is, if Barnes decides to leave California.

Until then, rest assured Golden State will attempt to keep Barnes. They have a young core of players in Curry, Thompson, Barnes, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli.

Barnes is not a part of Golden State’s “Big Three,” which consists of Curry, Thompson and Green.

Despite this, he is a big part of their team chemistry. Barnes stretches defenses with his outside shooting and he is an underrated defensive player. For instance, in the current playoff series against OKC, Barnes is guarding Serge Ibaka.

Coming out of UNC, it is safe to say that no one expected Barnes to play power forward at the NBA level. Barnes has surprisingly done well at the four and he has transformed his game since being in Golden State.

After four years in the NBA, Barnes has positioned himself to be a hot commodity in the free agent market. Barnes will possibly have his choice whether he wants to be “the man” for an NBA team, their second scoring option or remain a role player.

One thing is for sure: the Black Falcon will soar wherever he goes.

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