Veteran combo guard Leandro Barbosa will help the Golden State Warriors defend their championship next season as he decided to stay with the team after agreeing to a one-year deal.
ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne reported that the deal was worth $2.5 million, according to sources.
Warriors general manager Bob Myers said they plan to sign the veteran guard after July 9, when the NBA will lift a leaguewide moratorium on roster business.
The San Antonio Spurs selected Barbosa, 32, 28<sup>th overall in the 2003 draft but was later traded to the Phoenix Suns, were he played his first seven NBA seasons.
Barbosa also played for the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics and returned to the Suns before his stint with the Warriors last season.
Barbosa played in 61 games for Golden State in the regular season and averaged 7.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
The Brazilian had silent contributions during the playoffs, especially the Finals, where he was able to contribute offensively to help guys like 2015 MVP Stephen Curry, Finals MVP Andre Iguodala and forward Draymond Green. Barbosa also provided veteran leadership to a young Warriors squad last season.
In other Warriors news, the team is set to trade center David Lee to the Boston Celtics in exchange for forward Gerald Wallace. Lee suffered injuries during the preseason last year and was sidelined as the 2014-15 season opened.
Green took his place in the starting lineup and it clicked for Golden State, as they had a 21-2 record to begin the season. Because of Green's efficiency, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr decided to give him the starting nod even after Lee was already given clearance to play.
Lee played 49 games in the regular season averaging a career-low 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Following the Finals, the Warriors and Lee's camp agreed to help each other in finding a new team for the former All-Star.
