The Los Angeles Clippers added small forward Matt Barnes to the mix Friday, according to team sources. The organization hasn't confirmed the terms of the deal yet but CBS Sports' Ken Berger is reporting that it's for one-year at the veteran's minimum.
Barnes began his career as a Clipper when he signed as a free agent rookie but has since bounced around to seven different franchises, spending the last two years with the rival Lakers. The nine-year veteran averaged 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 63 games wearing purple and gold last season.
Barnes is also spent his four years at UCLA (1998-2002), helping lead his team to March Madness appearances in all four of his seasons with the Bruins.
Barnes will be fighting an uphill battle for playing time with Caron Butler and Grant Hill locked in as key swingman pieces. At shooting guard, the Clippers have Chauncey Billups and Jamal Crawford as well so perhaps Barnes' options were limited. Either that or he really believes this team is a legitimate title contender.
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