Memphis Grizzlies star Matt Barnes may be laughing last in his dispute with New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher following news of him losing his job.
According to reports, the New York Knicks handed Fisher a pink slip this week.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Ian Begley first reported the firing. The Knicks are 23-31 this season after going 17-65 in Fisher’s first season in 2014-15. New York’s current losing skid contributed to the timing of the move, but the team was already convinced Fisher was not transitioning from the role of player to coach effectively, sources told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. (ESPN)
Barnes must cough up $35,000 for his threatening remarks about Fisher a few weeks ago.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes was fined $35,000 by the NBA for his “inappropriate” comments concerning New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher. Barnes and Fisher, two former friends and ex-Lakers teammates who were involved in an off-the-court altercation centered around Barnes’ estranged wife back in October, were reunited on Saturday night during the Grizzlies’ 103-95 win over the Knicks. The two did not appear to interact at all. (ESPN)
Matt revealed his frustrations and shot out a warning toward Fisher last month.
“I don’t talk to snakes,” Barnes told the Daily News. “I never wish for another man’s downfall. I always knew the NBA would come down hard on me, so I wasn’t surprised… Cause I’m the bad guy. … I know I got to keep my mouth shut because then he’ll run and tell. So we’re focused on playing that team (the Knicks). And when I’m retired, him and I will cross paths again.” (NY Daily News)
Recently, Barnes inked a long Instagram post on being suspended for a couple games over his physical altercation with Fisher last year.