SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The Golden State Warriors re-signed forward Matt Barnes Monday in recognition of the 6-foot-7, 226-pounder's outstanding 2006-2007 season.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported 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 agreed 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, 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.
