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UNC Basketball Alumni: Harrison Barnes declines option, enters free agency

By Alec Lasley

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings passes the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings passes the ball against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 11, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Former UNC basketball wing Harrison Barnes opted out of his contract with the Kings and will enter free agency this summer.

What is already a wild offseason, and with many stars on the free agent market, former UNC basketball wing Harrison Barnes became the newest member of the 2019 free agent class.

On Tuesday night, Harrison Barnes declined his player option for the 2019-20 season with the Sacramento Kings and will enter free agency.

Traded to the Kings in the middle of the 2018-19 season after more than two years in Dallas, declining the player option means he will leave $25.1 million on the table.

Barnes’ agent said he would still be open to “exploring a new deal” with the team but does want to see his value on the free agent market.

In 28 games for the Kings last season, Barnes averaged 14.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

With a couple of the big name players either leaning towards resigning with their current teams or suffering major injuries that may cause them to miss all of next season, Barnes may be a name that a lot of teams take a look at to fill a missing void.

Averaging 13.6 points and 4.9 rebounds for his career, he has proven he can be a reliable scorer in the NBA. With each season, his shot attempts have increased while still resining constant with his shooting percentage. Although he probably can’t be a number one on a playoff team, he is a terrific second or third option for a team that is looking to make a run in the postseason.

Free agency officially starts on Monday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET, however, no free agents can actually sign any contracts until noon ET on July 6.

For more on Barnes and other former UNC Basketball players, please check back with Keeping it Heel.

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