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Fans: Sixers Should Not Offer Max Deal To Harrison Barnes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The vast majority of Philadelphia 76ers supporters are not fans of Harrison Barnes.

In two separate polls constructed by SportsRadio 94WIP -- one on Facebook and one during Wednesday's 94WIP Mike & Ike Show -- over 70-percent of fans said the Sixers should not offer Barnes a max deal.

A report circulated on Tuesday, indicating the Sixers are interested in Barnes, spurring debate in Philly. Barnes is a restricted free-agent, so the Golden State Warriors could match any offer.

In order to pry Barnes away from the 2015-16 champions, the Sixers will likely have to break the bank. Under the NBA's new salary cap, which is expected to increase more than 30-percent to over $90 million in 2016-17, a max deal for a player with less than six NBA seasons will cost just north of $20 million per season.

Related: Sixers Free Agency News

Chris Ryan of TheRinger.com speculates Sixers advisor and USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo, may be making his pitch to Barnes, who is playing for team USA in the 2016 Olympics.

94WIP's Ike Reese is in the Philadelphia minority and made his case for why the Sixers should offer Barnes a max contract.

 

"Bringing a guy in like Harrison Barnes who fits a specific role as a three, who's experienced, who's a vet, who knows about winning," Reese explained. "Having that sort of attitude, mentality in your locker room -- sure it's gonna cost you money. What doesn't cost you money? I mean, that can only benefit this team."

Callers voiced their displeasure on Wednesday.

"I am upset with you Ike," one caller said. "Where is Barnes gonna play? This guy is not worth the money!"

"I hear where you guys are coming from," a caller Jermiah told Reese and his co-host Michael Barkann. "Harrison Barnes, are you serious? You want to give this guy 90 million dollars [over four-years]? I'd rather give it to Mike Conley."

Barnes, a 6'8", 225-pound wing player is just 24-years-old. The 2012 seventh overall draft pick spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Warriors, averaging 10.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game for his career while shooting 44.6/37.6/73.9 (FG/3PG/FT) percent.

Barnes played two seasons at North Carolina after being rated the No. 1 high school player in the country, out of Ames High School in Iowa.

 

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