Toronto Raptors' Mike James (13) drives around Philadelphia 76ers' Matt Barnes (21) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 14, 2006, in Philadelphia. Toronto won 111-97.GEORGE WIDMAN/The Associated Press
It appears the revamped Toronto Raptors are set to add another new face.
Veteran swingman Matt Barnes said via his Twitter feed that he is joining the Raptors after one year with the Orlando Magic.
"Nxt season I will b playing for the Toronto Raptors. I wanted to thank the fans in orl you guys were amazing the way u guys excepted," Barnes tweeted.
Citing unnamed sources, ESPN reported on its website that a deal with the Raptors is scheduled to be finalized on Tuesday and will pay Barnes nearly $10-million (U.S.) over the next two seasons.
The sources said a sign-and-trade with Orlando will need to be completed because the Raptors recently spent the bulk of its $5.8-million mid-level exception to sign Linas Kleiza.
The 30-year-old averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, both higher than his career averages.