Posted at 2:04 p.m., Monday, August 6, 2007
NBA: Golden State re-signs Barnes to 1-year deal
Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. — Forward Matt Barnes re-signed with the Golden State Warriors on Monday, agreeing to a one-year deal after enjoying his best NBA season with the club last year.Barnes, a four-year veteran who has played for five teams, had career-best averages of 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season in coach Don Nelson's uptempo offense.
He also made headlines with his energetic play, a mohawk haircut and a tattoo reading "Believe" — especially while the Warriors upset top-seeded Dallas and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
"I am really excited to be back with the Warriors," Barnes said. "As I've said all along, this was my first choice and the place that I wanted to continue my career. I really enjoy playing for this team, and feel very comfortable with the entire organization."
Barnes shopped his services to several teams as a free agent, but couldn't find a lucrative deal despite changing agents twice. His contract with Golden State is expected to be worth slightly more than $3 million — the remainder of the Warriors' mid-level salary cap exemption.
"He was a key contributor to our success last season, and we anticipate that he will play a vital role with our club again during the upcoming season," said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' executive vice president of basketball operations. "The intangibles that he provides our team — energy, hustle and effort — are a tribute to his work ethic and have certainly aided his development as a player. Plus, he is a very good fit for our team."
