The Golden State Warriors are looking to return to the NBA Finals once again after an 11-3 beginning to the 2024-25 season.

Golden State has been incredibly efficient from both the field and the three-point line while sporting one of the most offensively gifted bench units the league has ever seen. 

Golden State’s bench has averaged 55.0 points through 14 games, which would be the highest in NBA history if their production continues for the rest of the season. 

Though the Warriors’ general manager Mike Dunleavy did plenty during the offseason to construct their extremely successful reserve rotation, the front office could take another step towards title contention by pulling the trigger on a deal to reunite with a reliable veteran who’s familiar with the franchise.

Especially due to a season-ending ACL injury to one of the Warriors’ most productive reserves De’Anthony Melton, Dunleavy may entertain the idea of contacting the San Antonio Spurs to bring 32-year-old NBA champion Harrison Barnes back to the Bay.

Barnes, the Warriors’ No. 7 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft has made a name for himself as one of the most consistent and multi-faceted forwards in the league. Though he may fly under the radar, many in league circles know the value of adding Barnes to their franchise.

In just his third NBA season, Barnes helped propel the Warriors to the 2015 NBA championship and a 2016 NBA Finals appearance as their starting small forward. Now, Barnes serves as a knowledgeable veteran scorer and mentor for the young Spurs. 

Barnes is averaging 10.9 points and 4.5 rebounds on a remarkable 42.6% shooting clip from three-point range this season and would make for a sensational Melton replacement if he were to be reunited with Golden State.

Barnes’ frame and athleticism on top of his knock-down shooting ability make him one of the most coveted veteran trade chips in the Association, and Golden State may give San Antonio a compelling offer that would be tough to refuse.

Golden State could plausibly offer any combination of young talent like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and draft compensation to get a deal done. The Warriors’ rising forward Jonathan Kuminga would likely be off of the table, but Podziemski could be dealt due to his freezing-cold offensive beginning to the season.

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