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The Orlando Magic have signed free agent forward Matt Barnes, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. We’ll add contract info tonight.
“Matt (Barnes) is a versatile player that fits very well with our style of play,” said Smith. “He is a good defender, can knock down the open shot and is coming off his best season as a pro. We’re happy to welcome Matt to the Magic family.”
Barnes (6’7”, 226, 3/9/80) played in 77 games last season with Phoenix, averaging career-highs of 10.2 ppg., 5.5 rpg. and 2.8 apg. in 27.0 minpg. He made 40 starts for the Suns, averaging 12.6 ppg., 6.1 rpg. and 3.2 apg. during that span. Barnes led (or tied) the team in scoring twice, in rebounding 11 times and in assists four times. He scored in double figures 36 times and had eight games with 20+ points, including a season-best 26 points on Mar. 1 vs. L.A. Lakers. Barnes also recorded five double-doubles and dished out a career-high 11 assists on Mar. 15 @ Golden State.
Originally selected by Memphis during the second round (46th overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft, Barnes has played in 363 career NBA regular season games with the L.A. Clippers, Sacramento, New York, Philadelphia, Golden State and Phoenix, averaging 7.0 ppg., 4.1 rpg. and 1.8 rpg. in 20.3 minpg. He has also appeared in 11 career playoff games, averaging 11.1 ppg., 5.7 rpg., 2.4 apg. and 1.45 stlpg. in 30.0 minpg.
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