While the Warriors await a decision by Kevin Durant, Harrison Barnes reportedly will receive from Dallas an offer sheet he could sign as early Thursday night.
This is something the Warriors expected, and it will not change their plans.
Trying to get past a couple recent free-agent spurns, the Mavericks, according to ESPN, are prepared to hand Barnes a four-year deal just north of $94 million.
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The Warriors, knowing full well it could cost them upwards of $22 million per year, have said they intend to match any offer Barnes gets.
They likely will, because retaining Barnes gives them the flexibility to either keep him around or trade him. That makes the most sense, for Barnes is part of their Death Lineup, and he’d be hard to replace by any combo forward still available.
Chandler Parsons apparently has chosen the Grizzlies. Luol Deng apparently is headed for the Lakers. Marvin Williams and Nic Batum have agreed to return to the Hornets. Jared Dudley apparently is headed to the Suns, with Solomon Hill going back to the Pacers.
Of those still without a commitment – as if Saturday night – most are more suited for power forward. There’s Dirk Nowitzki and David West and, well, not much else.
Golden State Warriors
Except, of course, Durant.
If Durant decides to come to the Warriors, no problem. He replaces Barnes and the Warriors get better.
If Durant goes back to Oklahoma City, as is generally anticipated, or elsewhere, the Warriors come back to Barnes. If Durant decides before Thursday, as expected, the Warriors can go to Barnes with an offer before he receives anything from Dallas.
Barnes has said his preference is to stay in Oakland. If Durant decides not to come to the Warriors, it won’t take long to see if he meant what he said.