The Mavericks intend to sign restricted free agent forward Harrison Barnes to a four-year, $94 million offer sheet, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
Mavericks to sign Harrison Barnes to max offer sheet, per report
The Warriors have matching rights, but almost certainly won’t use them now that they have Kevin Durant.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Barnes is a restricted free agent, which means Dallas can't sign him outright. The Warriors will have the ability to match the terms of that offer sheet if they so desire, but they will almost certainly decline now that Kevin Durant is heading to Golden State. The clock won't start ticking until July 7, when contracts can actually be signed.
For the Mavericks this appears to be a solid backup plan. After losing Chandler Parsons in free agency and striking out on Mike Conley and Hassan Whiteside, going young with Barnes makes some sense. Prying him away from the Warriors won't turn them into a contender but it will allow them to start building for the future while remaining relevant. It's also possible the Mavericks absorb center Andrew Bogut's contract into their cap space now that Durant is signing with the Warriors.
Barnes averaged 12 points, five rebounds and two assists a game last season. He is expected to play small forward for the Mavericks, but will swing to power forward when Dirk Nowitzki sits.
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