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NBA free agency: Philadelphia 76ers eyeing Harrison Barnes

By John Buhler

November 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) celebrates after making a basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Philadelphia 76ers have thrown their hat in the ring to try to land Golden State Warriors restricted free agent small forward Harrison Barnes.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Philadelphia 76ers “plan to be serious suitors for Golden State [Warriors] restricted free agent Harrison Barnes at the start of free agency.”

Barnes is one of the most interesting players to hit free agency this summer. He’s been a key part of the Golden State Warriors’ success since going seventh overall in the 2012 NBA Draft out of the University of North Carolina. Barnes is a great outside shooter, thrives in an up-tempo, pace-and-space offense, and is an adept defensive player.

His restricted free agency is largely contingent on what the Warriors choose to do at the three. Unrestricted free agent Kevin Durant has Golden State as one of his three presumed finalists, as well as the Miami Heat and his current employer the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If Golden State lands Durant, that would certainly mean the end for Barnes’ time in the Bay Area, as the Warriors won’t match any offer sheet Barnes would command on the open market. He’s set to be a maximum salary player this summer at a premier position at the three.

Rumored to be tied to teams like the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s interesting to see the lowly 76ers aggressively pursue one of the 10 best available free agents this summer.

Though spacing could be clunky in the front court, 76ers head coach Brett Brown has argued that No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons will play the four as somewhat of a point forward. Most of the 76ers’ assets exist in the front court with players like Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid.

Related Story: 5 free agents the Cleveland Cavaliers should target

While signing Barnes to a max might help the 76ers’ fortune in the coming years, Philadelphia has to address its issues in the backcourt. Is Robert Covington part of the 76ers’ long-term plans and what are they going to do at point guard?

For more NBA free agency news, please check out our NBA free agency hub page.

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