Mar 23, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22) reacts against the Brooklyn Nets at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Nets 101-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Barnes made a statement in the last game of the 2013 NBA Playoffs, dropping 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in a losing effort against the Memphis Grizzlies. Just like his superstar teammate Chris Paul, Barnes will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and will be exploring the market for a pay raise.

According to ESPN, Barnes said:

“I’m going to sit down and talk to my family and see where the market’s at,”

“I’ve been one of those guys the last three or four years that’s always been a great bargain. I’ve played for the mid-level and have played well but have yet to see a pay day. Not to say that I’m asking for the world, but I’m definitely looking for a salary increase.”

Barnes is right in that he has been a bargain, as he earned just over $800K for his contributions in 2012-13.

At the beginning of the season, this Clippers roster looked very deep, but the postseason exposed it’s glaring flaws. The team will have six unrestricted free agents this summer and a lot of decisions to make, so at this point it’s not certain whether Barnes is in the Clippers’ future plans.

Barnes also talked about what is undoubtedly the biggest headache of the Clippers front-office – re-signing Chris Paul. Paul is clearly not happy with how the season ended, but the team still has a solid foundation to build upon and can offer him the most money. Barnes believes that CP3 could very well be back in a Clippers uniform:

“Not to really get into his business too much, but I think the Clippers are one of his of top teams to say the least and if I was betting guy I would say he would be back with the Clippers next year.”

Other than the Clippers, Barnes has represented the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic in the last four years. This season he averaged 10.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game off the bench.

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@VytisLasaitis

March 17, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chauncey Billups (1) controls the ball against the New York Knicks during the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Chauncey Billups has suffered through a lot of injuries in the past couple of years, but he is not ready to give up on his career just yet. After the Los Angeles Clippers made an early exit out of the NBA Playoffs, it has become clear that the franchise will face some big decisions this summer. Chris Paul is a free agent and the Clippers will attempt to keep their point guard, but so is Billups.

According to Clippers.com, Billups is feeling a lot better:

“I won’t be close,” Billups said a day after the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs in six games by the Memphis Grizzlies. “I’ll be there next year. I’ve finally got my body back in position where I’ve turned a corner and I feel good. Now, it’s all about me putting in the work and going through it.”

Shortly after arriving in L.A. Billups ruptured his Achilles tendon, which ruled him out for the season. In his two years with the Clippers, he has appeared in just 42 regular season games and many probably thought that “Mr. Big Shot” would call it a career after this year.

Well, it seems as though Billups is feeling great and will continue his career next season. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and it will be interesting to see whether the Clippers choose to re-sign him or if he takes his veteran leadership somewhere else.

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@VytisLasaitis