Before last season, Andre Iguodala stated his plan to help Klay Thompson and Draymond Green maximize their numbers in contract years.
It worked.
Klay Thompson dominated the preseason and got a four-year extension worth nearly $69 million. Green followed an excellent season with a five-year, $82 million deal.
Now it’s Harrison Barnes’ turn to get special treatment from Iguodala and his other veteran teammates.
Iguodala on Barnes, via CSN Bay Area:
He’s always been a focused player. And coming from where he’s come from, it’s a difficult adjustment – being the man, then kind of taking a step back then they want you take a step forward. He’s handled it like a professional. He’s always kept himself ready.
Contract year, so we’re going to continue to help him get as much as possible. He’s a hard-worker, so it’s going to happen for hard workers.
Barnes is averaging a career-high 14.2 points per game on 50% shooting. He’s moving the ball better, and his ability to guard bigger players is a big asset to the Warriors.
He’s going to get paid. Barnes will probably receive at least one max-contract offer in restricted free agency, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays in Golden State for a little less.
Barnes deserves the most credit for his success, just as Thompson and Green do for theirs. But Iguodala has played a part – especially with Barnes. Barnes is in a much better spot as a starter, which is possible only because Iguodala was so amenable to coming off the bench.
Now, the best thing Iguodala and the Warriors can do for Barnes is continuing to win. Free agents from winning teams get paid more, and Barnes stands to get a nice bump for his part in Golden State’s success.