The Philadelphia 76ers intend to pursue Golden State's restricted free agent Harrison Barnes if the Kevin Durant bid fails, as soon as the NBA's offseason marketplace opens Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Sources told ESPN.com that that Sixers have been interested on Barnes and was placed the highest on their list of potential targets. They know the Warriors will not be able to retain him, despite their right to match any offer Barnes gets, if ever the Warriors manages to get Kevin Durant.
If Barnes signs an offer sheet with another team on July 8, Golden State would have three days to match the offer or lose Barnes.
The Warriors, however, wouldn't be able to lure Durant away from Thunders if they keep Barnes as a top priority.
According to ESPN, the Golden State is "all-in" on the pursuit of Durant, but sources said this week that the 2015 champions plan to retain Barnes and try to sign a proven big man. Among those potential targets are Paul Gasol, Joakim Noah, David West and Timofey Mozgov. That is if Durant stays with Oklahoma City or chooses to sign with another team.
The Warriors would also like to retain free-agent center Festus Ezili. Sources also say that Golden State intends to keep Shaun Livingston on its books for next season.
Source: ESPN GO
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