It’s been years since the Warriors traded Harrison Barnes so they could add Kevin Durant. Barnes hasn’t forgotten the role Draymond Green played.
The matchup between the Kings and Warriors has delivered on the hype, becoming the most interesting first-round series for a variety of reasons. You have two teams with thrilling styles of play, a historic dynasty trying to hold onto power against an ascendant up-and-comer, fascinating strategic battles all over the court. And, of course, plenty of personal animosity.
Draymond Green’s chest stomp on Domantas Sabonis brought some heat to the matchup. Leaked rumors after the fact from the Warriors, accusing Sabonis of dirty, dangerous play did nothing to cool things off. And although plenty of time has passed, don’t forget that Harrison Barnes won a ring with these Warriors before being shunted aside for Kevin Durant.
Draymond Green thinks Harrison Barnes hasn’t forgiven him for recruiting Kevin Durant
In a year-old podcast episode with Damian Lillard, Draymond talked about how he feels like Barnes has never forgiven him for his role in bringing Durant to Golden State, a move that necessitated cutting Barnes loose for cap space.
Barnes eventually signed with the Dallas Mavericks and was eventually traded to the Sacramento Kings. He’s gotten more opportunities and more shots, averaging 16.7 points per game in the seven seasons since he left Golden State. But he’s also lost his place in the Golden State lore a bit.
Remember, Barnes averaged double-digits and hit 39.4 percent of his 3s as a regular starter with the Warriors from 2014 to 2016 — a pair of seasons in which they won a title, set the best regular season record of all time and won 85 percent of their games. His ability to defend 4s was an absolute essential on those teams, unlocking the original iteration of The Death Lineup.
This may all be Draymond Green exaggerating for effect but if Barnes does in fact feel slighted by the Warriors it would be understandable.
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