Six years after making his initial pre-draft workout debut in front of the Suns, free agent Matt Barnes finally got to call Phoenix home Tuesday.

The veteran NBA forward officially signed with the club for the 2008-09 season, marking his sixth NBA stop which also includes time in Los Angeles (Clippers), Sacramento, New York, Philadelphia and Golden State.

“Phoenix has always been on my list.,” the 6-7, 226-pounder said. “I didn’t know if I was on their list. Phoenix is somewhere I thought I would fit in well and where I always wanted to play. They came in and told us they were interested and a day and a half later, we said we were ready to do it.

“I’m looking forward to playing and winning. I will play anywhere (here) – just getting out on the floor and getting a chance to play is what I’m looking forward to doing. Whatever position needs filling, I’m willing to do it.”

With career averages of 6.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 32-percent shooting from long range in 286 NBA games, Barnes posted 6.7 ppg and 4.4 rpg in 73 games for the Warriors last season. With his combination of veteran leadership and above-average ball-handling and shooting, making an offer turned into a no-brainer for Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr.

“You can see the maturity and experience Matt has,” Kerr said. “He’s an impressive young man with a lot of years in the NBA ahead of him, and he views this as a great opportunity. We view him as a piece to this puzzle, and we’re really lucky to have him.”

Kerr also mentioned the lure of having the likes of a Steve Nash, Shaquille O’Neal and Amaré Stoudemire to play alongside never hurts in tendering an offer, either.

“We have players that other players want to play with,” he added, “and that’s a huge advantage for us. That’s one of the big reasons Matt came – was to play with our guys. We were trying to find another shooter on the wing, and I didn’t think we would do this well, so we are really happy.”

Barnes wholeheartedly agreed, “Playing with MVPs in Steve and Shaq and an up-and-coming star in Amaré -- they have a great players here, a great city and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

An added bonus in acquiring Barnes is the instant upgrade in playoff experience. The forward had a key role in Golden State’s historic upset of top-seeded Dallas in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs. He averaged 11.1 points, 5.7 boards and 2.4 assists in 11 games.

“(It’s about) energy, blocking out tough shots and playing defense,” Barnes said. “Getting under people’s nerves is my job. Anything you can do to distract somebody, to take the focus away from what they’re trying to do is good. (I want to) just come out here and play hard.”

The signing also bolstered the Suns’ ability to bounce between small ball and going big, when needed, in the upcoming season.

Kerr said, “Trading for Shaq gave us a new dimension – playing big, which we love. We lost a lot moving Shawn Marion, but we knew that going in. (Bringing Matt in) gives us the opportunity to scale down and play small and fast which we still want to do at times and match up against other teams who are doing that. And we also can play big with Amare and Shaq. You have to be prepared to play different styles (in this league).”

Signed to a one-year deal with the Suns, look for an anxious Barnes to make the most of his newfound opportunity come November.

“I’ve always been hungry because my whole career has been a one-year deal,” Barnes said. “I’ve never relaxed when it comes to basketball so when I’m out on the floor, I’m going to give 100 percent. There is no relaxing in my life.”