Fansided

15 NBA players certain to be overpaid in free agency

By Brad Rowland

Mar 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11) defends during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 16
Next
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 05: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves at ORACLE Arena on April 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 05: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he made a three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves at ORACLE Arena on April 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

14. Harrison Barnes

This is arguably the most interesting case of any 2016 NBA free agent.

Harrison Barnes certainly is not a “star-level” player right now. At the same time, it is almost universally agreed that Barnes will be paid like one in the very near future.

Barnes’ case is something of a perfect storm for many reasons. First, he is a restricted free agent. That is a valuable distinction for his team, the Golden State Warriors, in that they are able to match any contract offer, but at the same time, it also provides incentive for other NBA franchises to overpay Barnes in an attempt to force Golden State to balk at any deal.

Next, the Warriors are in the unique position of being a fantastic team with a fantastic salary cap situation. Because of the value contracts signed with players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Golden State could afford to simply match any number with Barnes, and they can even do so without exceeding the luxury task.

Finally, Barnes just completed his age-23 season and, for better or worse, there is a notion that he could continue to improve, even toward that aforementioned “star” level. Some of this thinking, despite grave evidence (11.6 career PER, etc.) to the contrary, stems from the fact that Barnes was once the top high school recruit in the country, and while he is a big-time athlete, there has been no correlation between increased responsibility on the floor and improved play from Barnes.

On one hand, it seems crazy that a player with his career numbers (10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 44.6% FG) would command this type of contract, but teams squint hard enough at a player that has been in a supporting role his entire career, you’ll find one that believes he should be valued as a future star.

Next: 13. Kent Bazemore

Home/NBA