NBA Rumors: Matt Barnes reportedly traded from Charlotte to Memphis
Matt Barnes has reportedly been traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Memphis Grizzlies.
For the second time inside of a month Matt Barnes is on the move. On Thursday morning, Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the veteran forward had been traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Memphis Grizzlies.
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According to Wojnarowski the trade is part of a cap-clearing move for the Hornets. Charlotte received Luke Ridnour from Memphis and plans to waive the veteran guard before his non-guaranteed contract kicks in.
"The Grizzlies sent the non-guaranteed deal of Luke Ridnour to Charlotte. It is likely the Hornets will waive Ridnour before his contract is guaranteed for the 2015-16 season, sources said."
Barnes’ contract guarantees him roughly $1.2 million if he is waived by July 1. In effect, the Hornets saved that amount by jettisoning the veteran forward for a non-guaranteed deal, rather than cutting him outright.
Wojnarowski reports that the Grizzlies plan to keep Barnes on their roster to add bench depth at the frontcourt. On his career, Barnes averages 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Last season with the Clippers he averaged 10.1 points and 4 boards.
Barnes was part of a trade on June 15 that sent him and Spencer Hawes to the Hornets in exchange for Lance Stephenson.
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