Leandro Barbosa is the Latest Warrior to be Heading Elsewhere

After two seasons with the Golden State Warriors, guard Leandro Barbosa, popularly known as the “Brazilian Blur”, is moving on with his career. The 6’3″ guard has signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns worth $8 million.

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In his two years by the Bay, Barbosa became an integral part of the Warriors’ “bench mob”, getting plenty of key minutes as a reserve guard. In 134 games with Golden State, Barbosa started just once, but averaged 6.7 points in about just about 16 minutes of action. He also played in 44 of the Warriors’ 45 playoff games, averaging 5.3 points in 11 minutes per game, while shooting 51.1 percent from the floor.

Barbosa also became immensely popular among Warriors’ fans, and coined the phrase “We Gonna Be Championship” during the Warriors’ championship season in 2014-2015, a phrase he said after a win against the Utah Jazz in March that year. He would be part of a championship team for the first time in his career that season.

After the deal with Phoenix was announced, Barbosa took to social media to express his gratitude to just about everyone involved in his time with the Warriors.

"#DubNation!!! Playing for the Warriors was an honor and I will forever cherish my two years here with my teammates, coaches, front office members, ownership, and of course, the fans. The Warriors and their fans are first class, and to be a part of our championship in 2015 and our 73 win team this past season were some of my most exciting times of my life. I am so grateful to the entire organization, for taking a chance on a player who was coming back from an ACL injury and was trusted to play for such a team. It’s bittersweet leaving, but I am just as thrilled to return to Phoenix, another home for me! Until next time #DubNation #NewChapter #BeepBeep"

By signing with Phoenix, Barbosa is heading back to where his NBA career began. He was drafted 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999, but never suited up for them as his rights were traded to Phoenix. He debuted in the NBA during the 2003-2004 season, and played seven season during his first stint with the Suns. Barbosa was named the 2006-2007 season’s Sixth Man of the Year after averaging career-bests with 18.1 points and four assists, and adding 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 80 games (62 off the bench).