Matt Barnes Officially Signs Deal with Los Angeles Clippers

After languishing on the free-agent market far longer than he expected, small forward Matt Barnes has reached an agreement to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, according to a release on the team's official website.

Though the terms of the deal have yet to be announced, it's expected that Barnes will sign a one-year deal worth the veteran's minimum of $1.35 million, according to the Los Angeles Times' Ben Bolch. 

A nine-year NBA veteran, Barnes had spent the last two seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game coming off the team's bench in 2011-12. 

This will be Barnes' second stint with the Clippers after signing with them as an undrafted free agent in the 2003-04 season. 

Though it was long thought that the Clippers were done with offseason signings, it seems that point guard Chris Paul spearheaded the team's move to land Barnes.

Via Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick:

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Paul, who carries more Clippers clout than ever these days because of his looming free agency in 2013, has been included in the team's decision-making process throughout the summer and would love to make Barnes the latest addition. He appears on the verge of getting his wish.

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With Barnes in the fold, it's likely that the Clippers' offseason of turnover has finally come to an end. The team has also signed Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford and Ronny Turiaf while trading for enigmatic forward Lamar Odom as well.

Though it's a roster now overflowing with wing players, Barnes should be able to find a role. He's always been adept at bothering even the best scorers in the league defensively and should come as a nice bench complement. 

For a team that's desperately trying to compete for an NBA championship in 2012-13, this is yet another strong move for the Clippers. 

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