For the first time in a few years, the Philadelphia 76ers will be a player in NBA free agency. With Sam Hinkie stepping down, new GM Bryan Colangelo will be looking to add to the current foundation of the Sixers’ roster.
Last week, in the 2016 NBA draft, the Sixers continued to add to the foundation by selecting Ben Simmons with the first overall pick, along with Timothe Luwawu and Furkan Korkmaz with picks 24 and 26. With the draft over, the Sixers now set their sights on free agency and we already know who one of their targets will be.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Sixers plan to be serious suitors for Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes, who will be a restricted free agent on July 1. This is not a surprise as the Sixers have money to spend and can afford to upgrade the small forward position.
Barnes, the 24-year old forward had a good season, averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 3o.9 minutes per game. He also shot 46.6 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three-point range. But recently, Barnes received a lot criticism for his play in the NBA Finals, where the Golden State Warriors lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.
In the NBA Finals, Barnes averaged 9.3 points, but shot a horrendous 35.2 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range. Barnes’ performance in the NBA Finals is the lasting image in the minds of NBA fans, which is why some believe he does not deserve a max contract.
According to Stein, Barnes has made it clear that he wants to stay with Golden State but the Warriors have their eye on prized free agent Kevin Durant.
Despite Barnes’ performance in the NBA Finals, he still is a good, young player that can give you something on both sides of the ball. If the Sixers can enter their offer sheet into the Harrison Barnes sweepstakes and win. He will be another piece to the young core that is already in Philadelphia.
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