Harrison Barnes Declines Player Option, Will Test Free Agency

The Sacramento Kings acquired forward Harrison Barnes just before the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, knowing that his contract situation was up in the air this summer. Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Barnes chose to decline his $25.1 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.

Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes is declining his $25.1M player option and becoming an unrestricted free agent, his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports, tells ESPN. Barnes, 27, and Kings are open to exploring a new deal together this summer, sources said.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2019

The Kings have been very open, since acquiring Barnes, about negotiating to keep him around long-term. Discussions have been ongoing since the deadline about Barnes restructuring his deal, electing to take less money per season for a longer, more secure contract. In order to do so, he would need to opt out of his current deal.

Barnes averaged 14.3 points per game, shooting over 40% from three-point range, while adding some a much-needed defensive presence to the Sacramento starting lineup. The 27-year-old will be entering his 8th NBA season this fall.

NBA Free Agency officially opens at 3 P.M. on June 30th.

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