Harrison Barnes’ salary was so high, he became a talking point in the debate about WNBA salaries.
But he’s so confident he’ll get a better deal, he’s leaving $25,102,512 on the table with the Kings.
James Ham of NBC Sports California:
Confirming, Harrison Barnes has informed the Sacramento Kings of his intention to opt out of the final year of his deal and become an unrestricted free agent. @wojespn first with the news.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) June 18, 2019
If they renounce all their free agents, the Kings project to have about $60 million in cap space – likely more than they know what do with.
They could re-sign Barnes. By trading for him last year, they indicated they value him more than the rest of the league does.
Even if he settles for a lower salary next season than his player option called for, this could be the 27-year-old Barnes’ opportunity to secure a long-term deal. He’s a solid outside shooter and, even if he’s better at power forward, capable of playing small forward in a league thirsty for wings.
Sacramento could definitely use a player like him.
Can the Kings lure someone better, either this summer or – if they keep their books clean – a future year? Unless way overpaid, free agents have tended to avoid Sacramento. But the rapidly improving De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield are leading a turnaround.
Barnes’ free agency could be a good litmus test for the Kings’ reputation now. Can they convince him to continue his role on a rising team? Will they have to pay a premium to keep him? Or does he just want to leave?
