The Golden State Warriors are coming off of one of the best seasons in NBA history which ended with the Larry O'Brien trophy going to Oakland. Now that they have won a championship the organization is trying to sign most of the young players to contracts that will keep the team together for as long as possible so they can sustain the success. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were the most recent Warriors to receive contracts and now it is Harrison Barnes turn to be extended.
Barnes is eligible this year to be extended by Golden State and the two sides have until October 31st to work out a deal or else Barnes will become a restricted free agent after next season. Barnes reportedly wants to stay with the Warriors according to Diamond Leung of the Oakland Tribune.
"I mean, we just won a championship, of course I'd love to keep this group together for many years to come, you know what I'm saying? So that's obvious," said Barnes.
Barnes also reportedly said that the public statements made by co-owner Joe Lacob and the fact that Thompson and Green were given contracts has made him not have to worry about a potential contract.
"Worrying about the contract and all that kind of stuff, it'll work out. Joe Lacob has been obviously very vocal about keeping the team together, so therefore I'm not really too concerned about how it's going to shake out," said Barnes.
Barnes was the number one recruit coming out of high school in 2010 before playing two years at North Carolina. Since being drafted by the Warriors with the seventh pick in the 2012 NBA Draft he has improved every season and was a huge part of the Championship team last year. Barnes started all 82 regular season games and all 21 postseason games for Golden State and put up some tremendous numbers.
In the regular season Barnes averaged 10.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three point line. Those shooting percentages were by far the best of his career as he continues to adjust to his role and become a more efficient NBA player.
Barnes is still only 23 years old and has star potential in the NBA; the problem is he likely won't get to live up to that potential in Golden State as long as he is on the same team as Stephen Curry and Thompson. Barnes seems fine with continuing to grow in his roll and keeping the squad together to chase more championships and it's hard to blame him for wanting to stay in a place where he knows he can be a big part of winning.
