The Golden State Warriors may be without Kevin Durant for an extended period of time so they’re going to add veteran Matt Barnes to the team.
The Golden State Warriors have a slight change of plans in the works. Instead of signing veteran point guard José Calderón, they’re going in a different direction. The Warriors are, reportedly, going to sign forward Matt Barnes.
Kevin Durant injured his knee against the Washington Wizards. The severity of the injury is unknown, but it seems like the best case scenario would have the former MVP sidelined for several weeks. The Dubs are going to need a swingman regardless of how bad Durant’s injury is.
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Barnes was waived by the Sacramento Kings after the DeMarcus Cousins trade. They needed to make room for the incoming players for New Orleans and the veteran forward was collateral damage.
He’s averaging 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 points per game. He’s shooting just 32 percent from three and 38 percent from the field. What Barnes lacks in shooting, he more than makes up for in toughness.
Golden State is bringing Barnes back a decade after he saved his career and made history. He was an important part of the “We Believe” Warriors that upset the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the opening round. It was a magical season that really energized the Bay Area and reinvigorated Barnes’ career.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Warriors plan to sign Calderón and then waive him in order to make room for Barnes. He was playing 25 minutes per game in Sacramento. It’ll be interesting to see if Steve Kerr inserts the 36 year old into the starting lineup or if he’ll be coming off the bench.
Barnes is clearly excited to be returning to the Bay Area at this point in his career.
"It's a dream come true! I feel like I helped start something in '07 & now I'm coming back to help finish it,"Matt Barnes on Warriors return
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 1, 2017
The Warriors need someone who can play a three or four for a few minutes. Of course, Barnes is no Durant, but he is more useful to the Warriors right now than Calderón. Of course, the nostalgia makes this pretty fun as well.
Barnes is going to bring toughness; serving, at times, as an enforcer. He can set screens and be a problem for the opposition on the glass. He wants to be in Golden State and that energy will definitely be a boost for the team.
Golden State is going to need Durant if they want to make a run at the championship, but Barnes is a veteran with experience that can give the Warriors a little more depth.