Matt Barnes: A Closer Look At The NBA Champion And His Journey

What Is Matt Barnes’ Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Matt Barnes, the NBA legend who’s built a net worth of $13 million. Barnes had a stellar 14-year career in the NBA, where he suited up for some of the league’s biggest teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns. But it was his final season with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 that cemented his legacy when he brought home the NBA Championship ring. Talk about going out on top!

Even off the court, Matt made headlines. His relationship with reality TV star Gloria Govan, who appeared on “Basketball Wives,” kept him in the spotlight. Together, they welcomed twins into the world. Interestingly, Matt’s younger brother followed in his athletic footsteps but chose football over basketball. Talk about a family of athletes!

Career Earnings

Over his NBA career, Matt Barnes raked in a cool $35 million in salary. His peak earning year came during the 2016–2017 season when the Sacramento Kings paid him $6.1 million. That’s not too shabby for a guy who started his career in the second round of the draft.

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Early Life

Matt Barnes was born on March 9, 1980, in Santa Clara, California. Growing up, Matt was no stranger to sports. His father is African-American, and his mother is white, giving him a diverse background that shaped his journey. Matt attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, where he quickly became a standout in both basketball and football. His skills didn’t go unnoticed—he earned All-American, All-State, All-City, and All-League honors for both sports. After high school, he headed to UCLA, where he played four seasons of college basketball, laying the groundwork for his future in the NBA.

NBA Career

Matt’s NBA journey started in the 2002 draft when the Memphis Grizzlies selected him in the second round. However, the Grizzlies traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who sent him to the Fayetteville Patriots of the NBA D-League. That didn’t deter Matt—he signed with the Long Beach Jam of the ABA in 2003, where he played alongside Dennis Rodman. The team went 24-7 and claimed the ABA Championship, proving Matt’s value. His performance caught the eye of the Los Angeles Clippers, who signed him for the second half of the season.

In 2004, Matt joined the Sacramento Kings. On his debut, he put up an impressive 17 points and nine rebounds. But things didn’t stay smooth for long. Mid-season, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where knee tendinitis sidelined him. Eventually, the team gave him an injury release. Matt then signed with the New York Knicks, but after just six games, they waived him. The 76ers picked him up again, giving him a second chance.

Golden State Warriors

In 2006, Matt signed with the Golden State Warriors, marking a turning point in his career. Coach Don Nelson gave him more playing time due to forward Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s absence. In December, Matt tied the franchise record with seven three-point field goals, a feat that was surprising given he’d only made ten three-pointers in his career up to that point. That season alone, Matt scored 106 three-pointers. He also helped the Warriors take down the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.

Matt returned to the Warriors in the summer of 2007 under a one-year contract. The following season, he served as team captain alongside Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis, proving his leadership on and off the court.

Suns, Magic, and Lakers

In 2008, Matt signed with the Phoenix Suns. But trouble wasn’t far behind. He got into a scuffle with the Houston Rockets’ Rafer Alston, earning himself a two-game suspension. The next year, he signed a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic, with the option to opt out after the first year. He exercised that option after the team was eliminated from the 2010 playoffs. In July 2010, Matt signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, adding another chapter to his storied career.

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Los Angeles Clippers and Professional Misconduct

Matt returned to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year. But his time with the Clippers wasn’t without its challenges. In 2012, he was suspended for one game after resisting, delaying, or obstructing a police officer. In 2013, he was fined $25,000 for refusing to leave the court after being ejected, a decision he made via his Twitter account. During the 2014–2015 season, he faced multiple fines, including penalties for kicking a water bottle, using inappropriate language toward a fan, and making remarks to James Harden’s mother during a playoff game. It’s safe to say Matt had a knack for keeping things interesting.

Memphis Grizzlies

In 2015, Matt found himself traded to the Charlotte Hornets, only to be traded again just a month later to the Memphis Grizzlies, the team that first drafted him in 2002. However, his time there wasn’t without incident. In December, he was suspended for two games after a physical altercation with New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher. Later, the NBA fined him $35,000 for defending his actions publicly. Despite the turbulence, Matt managed to shine. In February 2016, he scored a season-high 25 points in a victory over the Lakers. The following month, he recorded his first career triple-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Return to the Warriors

In 2016, Matt signed with the Sacramento Kings but was waived shortly after. He then returned to the Golden State Warriors, stepping in as the replacement forward for the injured Kevin Durant. It was here that Matt achieved his greatest career success, helping the Warriors win the NBA Championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017. This victory marked his first championship ring after 14 seasons in the league. The Warriors’ 16-1 playoff record remains the best postseason winning percentage in NBA history. Matt announced his retirement in December 2017, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

Personal Life

Matt’s personal life has been just as eventful as his career. He was once married to television personality Gloria Govan, with whom he has twin boys. However, their relationship hit a rough patch in 2010 when Matt was arrested on charges of domestic violence against Govan. The couple eventually split in 2014, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in Matt’s life.