Perfect Fit: Golden State Warriors & Matt Barnes Back Together

Janny Hu reports on the Golden State Warriors re-signing Matt Barnes:

Months after his "Believe" tattoo became intertwined with the Warriors’ playoff slogan, Matt Barnes is believing in himself again. Faced with an increasingly stingy free-agent market, Barnes is returning to Oakland on a one-year contract with hopes of scoring a bigger payday next summer.

The two sides agreed to terms, according to agent Aaron Goodwin, and Barnes is expected to officially re-sign today. League sources said Barnes will make $3.5 million, the remainder of the Warriors’ mid-level exception.

Barnes averaged career-highs across the board and was critical to the Golden State’s postseason run with 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30 minutes a game. But teams were reluctant to commit so much money to a player who earned the league minimum last year and has been on five teams in four seasons.

My Quick Take: His new contract only pays 3.5 million dollars for one season. He spent his first four NBA seasons living out of a suitcase, never knowing if the team would keep or cut him. And he averaged just 11 points and 6 rebounds last season.

Yet Matt Barnes, the ultimate underdog, came to symbolize the underdog Warriors. Last spring, Golden State, with their frenetic pace and no fear attitude, pulled off a historic upset, defeating heavily favored Dallas in the first round. It was the first time a #8 seed had ever beaten a #1 seed in a best of seven playoff series.

Barnes, who enjoyed a breakout regular season, played a key part in the Warriors’ post-season upset. He drained three-pointers. He grabbed rebounds. And he balled like a journeyman who finally got an opportunity at some prime-time, ESPN shine. Barnes made the most of the spotlight, shaving out a distinctive Mohawk haircut, which helped him become the cult hero on an off-center, Cinderella team.

I wasn’t surprised he signed a one year deal. For whatever reason, Barnes and long-term security don’t go together. Look for the guard/forward to continue his fine play as a bench piece or spot starter. And then, he’ll get his long-term contract with Golden State or another team.

Collateral Damage: Barnes is in. Mickael Pietrus could be out. The athletic swing is currently deciding whether to accept the Warriors’ one year qualifying contract offer. Pietrus could soon be dealt to the Heat.

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