Speculations of Matt Barnes eventually being dislodged materialized as expected and the veteran small forward now find himself in enemy territory with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies fans are not exactly fond of Barnes but all that should change once they get used to it. Barnes has had his run-ins with Zach Randolph in the past so it will be interesting to see how these two players work things out and help the Grizzlies get close to the NBA grand prize.
Barnes was acquired in a trade for Lance Stephenson. Included in the package was Spencer Hawes.
Barnes was never expected to last and he was first traded to the Grizzlies for Luke Ridnour. Ridnour landing didn't take long as he would later on be shipped to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeremy Lamb.
Barnes is expected to stay put in Memphis despite his animated history. The 35-year-old vet is set to make $3.5 million next season
Ridnour, who originally came from the Orlando Magic, is likely to stay with the Thunder as well unless a trade proposal comes OKC's way.
The series of transactions made by the Hornets follows the initial shipment of Lance Stephenson to the Los Angeles Clippers. On whether there would be more players on the move is anyone's guess as the team undergoes major personnel changes heading into next season.
Prior to the acquisition of Lamb, the Hornets also landed Nicolas Batum to hone up their outside shooting needs. The Hornets are loading up with shooters, a move seen to help big Al Jefferson operate better inside the paint.
For the Grizzlies, they get some toughness and a reliable veteran who can do some damage on any given night. Barnes proved that with the Clippers and hopefully his coming can push the Grizzlies to the next level.
Could the Hornets be moving more players soon?
