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After two seasons with the Warriors, reuniting with coach Steve Kerr, veteran guard Leandro Barbosa has decided to reunite with his first NBA home.
Barbosa agreed Wednesday to sign a two-year deal to return to Phoenix, where he began his career in 2003, for a reported $8 million.
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The 33-year-old Brazilian was a key member of Kerr’s bench and also was a popular presence in the locker room. Barbosa, known as “LB” or “The Blur,” said farewell to the Bay Area late Wednesday night in a direct Twitter message to CSNBayArea.com.
[POOLE: Analysis: With Durant, Warriors will be different, but better]
“The Warriors will always be a part of me,” Barbosa wrote. “The Warriors story is my story. The Dubs family will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. I am very grateful for all the affection, respect and admiration. To each athlete, members of the coaching staff, directors and this unforgettable crowd, my sincere thanks!
“A professional athlete’s life is like that and we need to understand our ways and challenges,” he continued, “but all of you will be unforgettable in my life. I will be eternally grateful for all that I have lived, learned and built next to each one of you in the Bay Area.”
Golden State Warriors
Barbosa, who joined the Warriors as a free agent three weeks before training camp in 2014, was a member of the Suns from 2003-2010 and returned for the 2013-14 season before coming to the Warriors, where he revived his career.
Kerr, who was the general manager in Phoenix from 2007-2010, was instrumental in Barbosa’s decision to come to Oakland. He signed for the veteran’s minimum ($1.45 million) before returning last season at $2.5 million.