Watch CBS News

Sixers Reportedly Plan To Target Harrison Barnes In Free Agency

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With a central piece now in place in Ben Simmons, the Sixers are planning to turn their efforts toward building a team around the No. 1 overall pick.

According to an ESPN report, the team might have a name in mind to add to the fold in Warriors forward Harrison Barnes. The restricted free agent is 24-years-old and is set to garner a max deal on the market.

The North Carolina product averaged 11.7 points per game during his 4th NBA season and shot 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.

His numbers may not jump off the page at you, but Barnes does play on a team where the offense is dominated by MVP Steph Curry and sharp-shooter Klay Thompson. On most nights, Barnes is either the 3rd or 4th option to score the ball.

Ben Simmons 'Most NBA Ready Player' In 36 Years

He's a reliable spot up shooter, who if lured away from Oakland, could actually be a fit next to Simmons. Barnes does not need the ball in his hands to be effective on offense. He won't take up space in the lane and could bring to Philadelphia some serious winning experience.

Brett Brown has also stated that Simmons will start his career as a power forward. Barnes would be a better front-court mate for Simmons than either Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor at the other forward spot.

At 24, Barnes still fits in with the youth movement in Philadelphia.

Bryan Colangelo has made it clear that the Sixers are now in the mode of looking to add proven talent to the roster and with the No. 1 pick in place, it may very well be time to start adding pieces that fit around him.

There is no real reason to believe that the Warriors would not want to match offers and retain Barnes, but if they become serious contenders in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, Barnes might be allowed to walk to clear some salary.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.