While the extent of Kevin Durant’s knee injury isn’t as bad as first feared, the Warriors have already found a replacement. The Warriors will sign forward Matt Barnes to an immediate contract, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein and Chris Haynes.
Matt Barnes to sign with Warriors in wake of Kevin Durant’s injury
The status of Durant’s injury is still unknown, but Golden State already found insurance.
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This will be for the rest of the season, not just a 10-day contract. Barnes confirmed the news in an interview with The Undefeated’s Marc Spears and on his Instagram page.
“Wish I could bring you two with me!!” Barnes posted, referring to former Warrior teammates Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson. I’m at a loss for words right now, next to the birth of my children this is the happiest day of my life!! Coming back to where it all started! #GodIsGood
Even though Durant only has a Grade 2 MCL sprain that’ll keep him out for at least a month, it’s clear the Warriors wanted to get help quickly.
One wrinkle that shows the urgency from the Warriors is they will still sign Jose Calderon, only to waive him to make room for Barnes.
Barnes was waived from the Sacramento Kings in the wake of the DeMarcus Cousins trade. Barnes was not having a great season prior to being waived. His year was filled with off-court distractions, while on the court, he only shot 39 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range.
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