Right now, the full attention of the San Antonio Spurs is on their upcoming NBA Finals matchup with the New York Knicks.
After the series though, that attention will ultimately turn to free agency, where the Spurs could have some difficult decisions to make.
Spurs Predicted to Retain Harrison Barnes in Free Agency
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 10: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs on court against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
One player that the Spurs will have to make a decision on is veteran forward Harrison Barnes, who is headed for unrestricted free agency.
Barnes has spent the past two seasons in San Antonio as a valuable veteran voice in a relatively young locker room, and the Spurs could want to keep him around in that role, even though his playing time has dropped dramatically during San Antonio’s current playoff run.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Grant Hughes predicted that the Spurs will bring back Barnes, 34, in free agency, albeit at a reduced rate. Barnes is making $19 million with the Spurs this season.
“At the same time, Barnes’ age and declining production won’t make him a hot commodity on the market. Perhaps more importantly, his experience and value as a locker-room sage still matter to a young Spurs team that clearly puts an emphasis on having some adults in the room,” Hughes wrote.
“Mason Plumlee isn’t on the team because the Spurs crave his on-court production. Ditto for Bismack Biyombo and Kelly Olynyk. It’s possible San Antonio will prioritize keeping one of those three big men, which it could do on the cheap. But none of them can play in a rotation anymore, while Barnes is still a good enough shooter to warrant spot minutes. That’ll tip the scales in his favor, and Barnes should be back on a discounted deal.”
San Antonio Spurs’ 2026 Free Agency Outlook
GettyPORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 26: Kelly Olynyk #8 of the San Antonio Spurs cheers with his teammates against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on November 26, 2025 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In addition to Barnes, the Spurs have several other players headed for free agency over the offseason. Like Barnes, Bismack Biyombo, Kelly Olynyk, Mason Plumlee, Lindy Waters III and Jordan McLaughlin will all also be unrestricted free agents.
Meanwhile, two-way players Harrison Ingram and David Jones-Garcia will both be restricted free agents, meaning the Spurs will get an opportunity to match any outside offers.
Lastly, Julian Champagnie has a $3 million team option for next season that will almost assuredly be picked up by the Spurs.
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