NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Confirm Harrison Barnes Trade Talks; LeBron James, Kyrie Irving Excited For Stephen Curry Teammate

By Mitch de Leon
NBA: Finals-Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors
Jun 13, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) dunks the gal against Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes (40) during the second quarter in game five of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena.  Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on their way to a crucial Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors. With LeBron James and Kyrie Irving finally working perfectly together to bring down Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, fans of the JR Smith squad appear to be anticipating a sure Game 7 for the NBA Finals. If the Cleveland Cavaliers fail, however, a reported Plan B is on the way. Surprisingly, this will involve Golden State Warriors star Harrison Barnes.

It is no secret in the Golden State Warriors roster that Harrison Barnes plays second fiddle to Andre Iguodala. While the small forward carries a significant role playing off the bench, reports are surfacing that Barnes wants a more crucial role in the NBA. That is, being the sixth man no longer appeals to him.

Rumors are rife that the Cleveland Cavaliers are targeting a deal with Harrison Barnes. With the upcoming free agency 2016, the Golden State Warriors are expected to offer max contracts to Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Given that Andre Iguodala takes higher ranking than Barnes in the NBA 2014-15 champs' roster, talks arose that the Golden State Warriors have no intention of offering the former North Carolina star a max contract. However, it looks like the Cleveland Cavaliers have no problem with that as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are reportedly looking into signing the talented small forward soon.

Will this be the end of the Golden State Warriors era? Will Stephen Curry lose the quiet force of Harrison Barnes? How will the Cleveland Cavaliers fit the Golden State Warriors power forward into their roster?

"For me, since the beginning of the season, I made the decision that I would focus on the game," said Barnes when asked of the free agency 2016 rumors involving his future. He added, "I knew we had something special going on. The proof is here: winning 73 games, coming back in that crazy playoff series (in the West finals) and being here in the Finals. That's what it's all about, and being able to put all that other stuff aside has allowed me to really enjoy this."

Meanwhile, reports reveal that the restricted free agency of Harrison Barnes will not signify the end of his contract with the Golden State Warriors. Sources close to the matter reveal that the front office is willing to match any offer made to Barnes this offseason.

"It is not going to be a monetary issue," said Joe Lacob in an earlier interview when asked about the limitations of the Golden State Warriors in terms of developing their roster. The exec added, "This ownership is willing to spend whatever it takes to build a championship here and be extremely competitive every year. That isn't something I even think about, we will spend the money."

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