1 year deal. Better than having him pull a Gilbert.
Barnes signs for one year
By Marcus Thompson II
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Article Launched: 08/06/2007 02:58:54 AM PDT
Don't feel bad for forward Matt Barnes.
Sure, he didn't get the long-term deal he wanted. But his salary for the 2007-08 season will be much more than the $744,551 he made last season, and he's officially no longer a journeyman.
The Warriors signed Barnes to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
"This is my fifth year in the league," Barnes said Sunday, "and for the first time, I'm going into a season and I don't have to fight for a roster spot."
Barnes acknowledged he was a little disappointed he didn't get the contract he thought he deserved. He said not having a deal grew more and more frustrating as the offseason progressed, especially while other players at the same position signed sizeable deals: Andres Nocioni re-signed with Chicago for five years, $38 million; Jason Kapono got four years, $24 million from Toronto; and Morris Peterson signed for four years, $23 million with New Orleans.
Some figured Barnes, who had a breakout season with the Warriors after playing for four teams in the previous three seasons, would command something close to the aforementioned deals. He expected some team to at least offer him the full mid-level exception (set at $5,356,000 for the 2007-08 season and increases annually).
But the offers weren't pouring in, and most teams had already used up their salary cap space. So Barnes decided to take a one-year deal and another crack at free agency next offseason.
"I've still got a lot to prove," Barnes said. "Every day I'm
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getting better. A one-year deal gives me a chance to prove myself again."
Barnes entered the third week of free agency, which began July 1, with no contract to sign. So he fired his agent, Dan Fegan, whom he had just hired in May, and hired Oakland-based agent Aaron Goodwin.
Barnes -- who earned a roster spot as a training camp invitee and wound up starting for the Warriors in the playoffs -- has maintained all along that he wanted to stay with the Warriors. There was a concern, both for Barnes and many Warriors fans, that he played himself into a bigger contract than Golden State was willing to pay.
But, recognizing he fits well in coach Don Nelson's system, Barnes said he was willing to give the Warriors a discount.
"Golden State gave me an opportunity," Barnes said, "and I love the whole situation."
Nelson, reached Sunday in Hawaii, was equally enamored with the move.
"I've always wanted (Barnes) back, so that's great," Nelson said. "I thought he had a great year and fit into what we were doing. I really thought he was a great player and a great person. I thought some of his leadership qualities came out this year.
"He deserved to be re-signed."
Barnes signs for one year
By Marcus Thompson II
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Article Launched: 08/06/2007 02:58:54 AM PDT
Don't feel bad for forward Matt Barnes.
Sure, he didn't get the long-term deal he wanted. But his salary for the 2007-08 season will be much more than the $744,551 he made last season, and he's officially no longer a journeyman.
The Warriors signed Barnes to a one-year deal worth $3 million.
"This is my fifth year in the league," Barnes said Sunday, "and for the first time, I'm going into a season and I don't have to fight for a roster spot."
Barnes acknowledged he was a little disappointed he didn't get the contract he thought he deserved. He said not having a deal grew more and more frustrating as the offseason progressed, especially while other players at the same position signed sizeable deals: Andres Nocioni re-signed with Chicago for five years, $38 million; Jason Kapono got four years, $24 million from Toronto; and Morris Peterson signed for four years, $23 million with New Orleans.
Some figured Barnes, who had a breakout season with the Warriors after playing for four teams in the previous three seasons, would command something close to the aforementioned deals. He expected some team to at least offer him the full mid-level exception (set at $5,356,000 for the 2007-08 season and increases annually).
But the offers weren't pouring in, and most teams had already used up their salary cap space. So Barnes decided to take a one-year deal and another crack at free agency next offseason.
"I've still got a lot to prove," Barnes said. "Every day I'm
Advertisement
Click Here!
getting better. A one-year deal gives me a chance to prove myself again."
Barnes entered the third week of free agency, which began July 1, with no contract to sign. So he fired his agent, Dan Fegan, whom he had just hired in May, and hired Oakland-based agent Aaron Goodwin.
Barnes -- who earned a roster spot as a training camp invitee and wound up starting for the Warriors in the playoffs -- has maintained all along that he wanted to stay with the Warriors. There was a concern, both for Barnes and many Warriors fans, that he played himself into a bigger contract than Golden State was willing to pay.
But, recognizing he fits well in coach Don Nelson's system, Barnes said he was willing to give the Warriors a discount.
"Golden State gave me an opportunity," Barnes said, "and I love the whole situation."
Nelson, reached Sunday in Hawaii, was equally enamored with the move.
"I've always wanted (Barnes) back, so that's great," Nelson said. "I thought he had a great year and fit into what we were doing. I really thought he was a great player and a great person. I thought some of his leadership qualities came out this year.
"He deserved to be re-signed."
