The Suns put a shot of energy into what had been a sleepy free agency period by signing ex-Golden State small forward Matt Barnes to a one-year contract.

Barnes signed for the league's veteran minimum contract ($1.2 million, more than $400,000 of which is paid by a league fund) and will immediately step into the rotation as either a starter or bench player on the wing.

"He's the perfect player for us, an athletic guy who runs the floor, finishes at the basket and can shoot the outside shot," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said. "He's also a guy who has had big games in the playoffs for Golden State and likes the big stage."

Barnes, 28, had a big season in 2006-07 and played a vital role in Golden State's huge upset of top-seeded Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. He averaged 6.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in just under 20 minutes last season and was not offered a new deal by the revamped Warriors.

Barnes, who at 6-foot-7 is known for his quickness and athleticism in the Shawn Marion mold, immediately gives the Suns more options at either the small forward (Grant Hill was the starter last season and is penciled in again this year) and even depth at power forward. He has improved his outside shooting considerably over the years and gives the Suns another three-point shooting threat -- although his numbers did dip last season.

He made $3 million last season with the Warriors was believed to be out of Phoenix's price range when free agency began. But as time moved on and available money around the league began to dry up, Barnes and the Suns began serious talks.

The Suns have now added Barnes and rookie Robin Lopez to their top seven returning players from last season (Leandro Barbosa, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Hill, Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Amare Stoudemire.

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