Warriors Turned Down Pierce For Barnes, 2014 Expiring At Deadline

Post #1 » by **RealGM Wiretap** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 10:05 pm

At the deadline, the Golden State Warriors turned down an offer of Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics for Harrison Barnes and the expiring 2014 contract of either Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson.

Barnes was the seventh overall pick in last June's draft and started 81 games at small forward.

With Pierce, the Warriors presumably would have improved their short-term chances in the playoffs.

Via Bill Simmons/ESPN

Shem · Post #2 » by **Shem** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 5:06 am

Smart move by the Warriors. No need to trade an upcoming rookie for a veteran who is about to retire.

rockmanslim · Post #3 » by **rockmanslim** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 1:38 pm

Simmons' take:

Warrants mentioning: The Warriors turned down Pierce from Boston in February for Harrison Barnes and a 2014 expiring contract (either Andris Biedrins or Richard Jefferson). I would have done it because they would have been selling super-high on the disappears-way-too-much Barnes (notice he didn't even make "honorable mention") and Pierce would have made them a short-term contender. Could you go to small-ball war against OKC with Curry, Jack, Pierce, Thompson and David Lee? Actually, I think you could. I'd rather have Pierce's final four years then Barnes's next 10, anyway.

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/918 ... footnote14

Post #4 » by **FNQ** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:20 pm

Shem wrote:Smart move by the Warriors. No need to trade an upcoming rookie for a veteran who is about to retire.

Disagree. I'll take a legitimate #2 option at SF that's consistent over a guy like Barnes who may or may not ever be a quality NBA starter. We need help now, not a hypothetical situation 5-8 years down the road. Barnes is not very good right now, and while there's potential there, I wouldnt put the odds as great that he pans out.