The Golden State Warriors appear to have changed their minds in regards to which free agent veteran they intend to sign for the remainder of this season.
ESPN sources tell @ChrisBHaynes and me that Golden State plans to sign veteran swingman Matt Barnes in the wake of the Kevin Durant injury.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) March 1, 2017
The Warriors are intending to waive Jose Calderon after signing him and bring in swingman Matt Barnes. This move is more than likely a reaction to the injury Kevin Durant suffered in Tuesday night’s game in Washington. Durant was reported to have hyperextended his left knee during the loss to the Wizards.Zaza Pachulia appeared to be shoved down by Marcin Gortat during the first quarter, falling into Durant’s knee and sending him limping. He would go to the locker room and not return to the contest. An MRI was conducted but no results or evaluations have been released by the team.
Barnes was with Golden State previously from 2006-2008, even being named a captain along with Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson for the 2007-2008 team. Barness previously played for the Sacramento Kings this season but was cut in order for the team to complete the DeMarcus Cousins trade. Barnes apparently had this to say following the decision, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
“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 (@MarcJSpearsESPN) March 1, 2017
Barnes also tweeted this out from his own account late Tuesday night.
Wish I could bring you two with me!! I’m at a loss for words right now, next to the birth of my… https://t.co/0p4l9GX7Tj
— Matt Barnes (@Matt_Barnes22) March 1, 2017
It was widely reported that the Warriors released Briante Weber on Saturday in order to sign Jose Calderon following his release and clearance of waivers. Calderon would have replaced Weber as the team’s third point guard.
This news likely signifies that the Warriors believe Durant may be out for an extended period of time and the need for a swingman in the rotation outweighs the desire to have a third point guard for insurance.