Career Highlights and Spurs Transition
Barnes' journey began with the Warriors, where he played a pivotal role in their 2015 championship run, scoring 24 points in the Western Conference Finals clincher. After stints with the Mavericks and Kings, his 2024 trade to San Antonio marked a new chapter. In his debut 2024-25 season, he started every game, providing steady scoring and rebounding amid the Spurs' youth movement led by Victor Wembanyama.
Now 33, Barnes emphasizes defense in every outing, as seen in recent interviews. His experience stabilizes the lineup, with standout performances like 24 points against Houston and 20 versus Sacramento fueling the Spurs' hot start. This veteran presence complements the team's rising stars, positioning San Antonio as a contender.
Statistically, Barnes excels against Southwest Division foes, averaging high outputs versus divisional rivals. His durability—playing heavy minutes without major injuries—remains a key asset as the Spurs navigate a grueling schedule.
2025-26 Season Stats and Impact
Barnes' 2025-26 splits reveal versatility: 27.0 points per game against Memphis across two contests, with 19-of-34 field goals and 11 threes. He notched 15.0 points versus the Lakers and 13.0 against Oklahoma City, aiding wins in a competitive conference. Overall, his 12.9 points rank him among top forwards, supporting the Spurs' .759 winning percentage.
However, a recent slump—3-for-22 from three over five games—has sparked concerns. Averaging 7.4 points in that stretch, his struggles highlight San Antonio's thin depth at power forward, with Jeremy Sochan out of the rotation. Analysts suggest exploring draft or free agency options as backups.
Future Role and Spurs Concerns
At 34 next summer, Barnes faces contract talks, with proposals for a two-year, $36 million deal. His career shooting prowess and four-year durability streak make re-signing likely, though partially guaranteed terms offer flexibility. The Spurs value his leadership, evident in post-game insights on facing tough opponents like OKC multiple times.
Backup plans include promoting Luke Kornet, who has thrived alongside Wembanyama. While hoping for two more strong seasons from Barnes, San Antonio must address power forward depth to sustain their momentum. His renaissance bolsters playoff hopes, but regression risks loom.