Skip to content

Kings waive Matt Barnes to make room for Cousins trade

USA Today Sports

The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans completed their blockbuster trade Monday, sending All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to the Big Easy.

To clear the necessary roster space, the Sacramento Kings waived veteran forward Matt Barnes, the team announced.

It was reported shortly after the conclusion of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game that Cousins, along with teammate Omri Casspi, would be heading to New Orleans, with rookie Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway (likely to be waived afterward), and two draft picks coming back to Sacramento.

Barnes, 36, was earning $6.1 million this season with Sacramento, and had a player option worth $6.4 million for 2017-18.

He's averaging 7.6 points on 38.4 percent shooting, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 25.3 minutes per game over 54 total appearances.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox