Barnes excited to be playing for Carlisle and with Nowitzki

DALLAS – Harrison Barnes offered a few simple reasons as to why he signed a four-year, $94 million free agent contract with the Dallas Mavericks this past summer.

"There are a lot of things on paper, but I like this locker room,’’ Barnes said. "I think there are a group of high character guys, and I think what you look at this franchise has done year-in and year-out – a stable ownership.’’

Barnes played the previous four seasons with the Golden State Warriors. But because the Warriors signed Oklahoma City free agent Kevin Durant – he plays the same small forward position as Barnes – it’s obvious that Barnes needed to find a new home.

And since the Mavs have coach Rick Carlisle and superstar Dirk Nowitzki, Barnes set his sights on signing with the Mavs.

"Coach Carlisle, in my opinion, is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he always puts his guys in good positions,’’ Barnes said. "You look at their player development -- guys have come here and gotten better throughout the years.

"And then to be able to learn from a guy like Dirk who has done it year-in and year-out. He’s pretty much built this place through his work ethics, and just to be able to learn from a guy like that is really a rare opportunity.’’

This story was originally published September 27, 2016 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Barnes excited to be playing for Carlisle and with Nowitzki."