Harrison Barnes Prefers Extension Talks After The Season, Doesn’t Want To Be A Distraction

The Golden State Warriors and Harrison Barnes have until Nov. 2 to agree upon a contract extension but the versatile forward requested that contract talks end so it won’t be a distraction to the team, which will defend their NBA championship this season.

Sam Amick of USA Today Sports confirmed on Twitter that it was Barnes’ preference to move the contract talks after the current season is over, or in July next year.

According to reports, Barnes will most likely demand a max contract around $20 million per season. The 23-year-old forward is a restricted free agent after the 2015-2016 season and free to sign with any other NBA team but the Warriors can match any offer sheet to retain his services.

Barnes has also reportedly rejected the Warriors offer of $64 million over four years earlier in the offseason.

"[Barnes] wanted to have some resolution to his extension discussions before the start of the season, which we completely understand. I think he just wants to focus on the games as they stand now. We've completed discussions, and we're not going to be able to reach a deal.," Bob Myers, the Warriors general manager, stated to ESPN.

Should Barnes eventually land the lucrative max deal, he will be the Warriors highest paid player after the season with other key players like Klay Thompson ($16.67 million in 2016-2017), Draymond Green ($15.33 million) and Andrew Bogut ($12.68 million). Stephen Curry, the team’s best player, earns just about over $12 million for that season but is due for an extension after the 2016-2017 campaign.