Report: Kings expected to waive Matt Barnes

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Matt Barnes has reportedly drawn the short straw.

The Kings are expected to waive Barnes, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.

After Sunday’s blockbuster trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to the New Orleans Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway, Tyreke Evans and picks, the Kings have some housekeeping to do. Per NBA rules, they must waive a player to make room for the three incoming players.

Barnes, 36, signed a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Kings during the summer, with a player option for the second season. Sacramento is allowed to use the stretch provision for Barnes’ salary, breaking it up over a five-year stretch.

A Sacramento native, Barnes not only became a locker room leader this season for the Kings, but head coach Dave Joerger relied heavily on the veteran as injuries piled up. 

Barnes averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 25.3 minutes through 54 games, including 13 starts.

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