Oakland, CA - The Golden State Warriors re-signed forward Matt Barnes, rewarding the 6-foot-7, 226-pounder's breakout 2006-2007 season.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Golden State re-signed Barnes for $3.5 million, the remainder of the team's mid-level exception. Barnes was initially seeking a long-term deal somewhere closer to $5 million, but opted to accept less money in order to stay with the Warriors.
'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, who averaged a career-high 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, flourished in coach Don Nelson's open-floor system, and was a key contributor during the Warriors' first round playoff upset of the Dallas Mavericks. In 11 playoff games against Dallas and the Utah Jazz, Barnes posted averages of 11.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 30 minutes per game.
'We're extremely pleased to have Matt back with us,' Warriors Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin said. '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. 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.'
A Sacramento native who attended UCLA, Barnes had spent time with the Clippers, Kings, Knicks, and Sixers before finding his niche with Golden State last season. A 2003 second round draft pick, he set his previous career highs of 4.5 points and four rebounds per game in 2003-04 with the Clippers.
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