Well, there were strong indications before, and now it seems the 15th and final roster spot has been occupied:
Source says Matt Barnes has informed the Clippers he will sign with them. Story from yesterday – bit.ly/UOpTiS
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 13, 2012
Several reports since yesterday have pegged later this week for when this will all be finalized (and we’re already at Thursday). So a formal signature should be expected within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Barnes comes off a 7.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 2apg with the Los Angeles Lakers and would seemingly be the third wing on the roster, providing insurance for Butler and Hill.
Here’s a stats comparison with the Clippers’ two other wings and Carlos Delfino (a comparable wing that was available this offseason). Just looking at the advanced stats, Barnes acquits himself nicely.
Barnes will likely sign a guaranteed 1-year deal for the veteran’s minimum at $1.229m. This would bring the Clippers’ 2012-13 salary total to $69,866,604, still below the luxury tax line of $70.307m. Barring some unreported change to Travis Leslie’s deal (his deal, in theory, went from partially guaranteed to fully guaranteed on July 1), all 15 contracts would be guaranteed. There are now no available roster spots.
UPDATE: It’s official.
The Los Angeles Clippers signed free-agent forward Matt Barnes, the team announced Friday.
Sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com’s Ramona Shelburne that Barnes received a one-year deal at the veteran minimum of approximately $1.2 million.
