What Happened to Matt Barnes?
Matt Barnes is a retired American professional basketball player known for his 14-season NBA career, including winning a championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2017. Since retiring, he has transitioned into a successful media career as a basketball analyst and co-host of the popular 'All The Smoke' podcast, while also navigating ongoing personal controversies and expanding his media ventures into other sports.
Quick Answer
Matt Barnes, the former NBA player, is currently a prominent sports media personality, co-hosting the successful 'All The Smoke' podcast, which recently expanded into baseball with 'ATS Dugout' in March 2026. He is also actively engaged in public discourse, notably in a recent feud with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith in April 2026. Barnes continues to be in the public eye, having faced personal controversies, including allegations of infidelity from his fiancée in February 2025, and was reportedly dropped as a Sacramento Kings analyst in February 2024 following an incident at his son's game.
đKey Facts
đ Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Santa Clara, California
Matt Barnes was born in Santa Clara, California, beginning his journey to a professional basketball career.
Drafted by Memphis Grizzlies
Barnes was selected as the 46th overall pick in the second round of the NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, marking the start of his NBA career.
Arrested on suspicion of domestic violence
Barnes was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence against his then-fiancée, Gloria Govan, though charges were later dropped.
Physical altercation with Derek Fisher
Barnes was involved in a physical altercation with then-New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher, stemming from Fisher's relationship with Barnes' estranged wife, Gloria Govan.
Wins NBA Championship with Golden State Warriors
In his final NBA season, Barnes achieved his career highlight by winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.
Announces NBA Retirement
After 14 seasons in the league, Matt Barnes officially announced his retirement from the NBA via an Instagram post.
Anansa Sims files restraining order
Following a brief breakup, Anansa Sims, Barnes' fiancée, filed a restraining order against him, though they later reconciled in 2021.
Dropped as Sacramento Kings analyst
Barnes was reportedly dropped by NBC Sports California as a Sacramento Kings studio analyst after an incident at his son's high school game where he confronted a student broadcaster.
Welcomes second child with Anansa Sims
Matt Barnes and his fiancée Anansa Sims welcomed their second child, a son named Austin.
Accused of cheating by fiancée Anansa Sims
Anansa Sims publicly accused Matt Barnes of cheating with eight different women in an explosive Instagram post, detailing alleged affairs.
Praises NBA rookie Cooper Flagg on 'All The Smoke'
Barnes, through his 'All The Smoke' platform, expressed significant praise for Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, highlighting his defensive skills.
Launches 'ATS Baseball' podcast
Matt Barnes and 'All The Smoke Productions' expanded their media empire by launching 'ATS Baseball,' with 'ATS Dugout' as its debut podcast, co-hosted by Barnes.
Engages in public feud with Stephen A. Smith
Barnes is in a public back-and-forth with ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, criticizing Smith for perceived changes in his persona and comments regarding LeBron James.
đDeep Dive Analysis
Matt Barnes, born on March 9, 1980, carved out a 14-season career in the National Basketball Association, known for his tenacious defense and competitive spirit. Drafted 46th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, he played for nine different NBA teams, culminating in an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in his final season in 2017.
Following his retirement, Barnes successfully transitioned into sports media. He became a basketball analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports California, though his tenure with the latter ended in February 2024 after an incident at his son's high school basketball game where he confronted a student broadcaster and yelled at officials. His most significant post-playing venture is co-hosting the highly acclaimed 'All The Smoke' podcast alongside fellow former NBA player Stephen Jackson. The podcast has gained considerable traction for its candid interviews and player-centric discussions.
Barnes' personal life has frequently drawn public attention. He was previously married to Gloria Govan, with whom he has identical twin sons, and their relationship was marked by a 2010 domestic violence arrest (charges later dropped) and a notable physical altercation with Derek Fisher in 2015. More recently, in February 2025, his fiancée, Anansa Sims, publicly accused him of infidelity with multiple women via an Instagram post. Barnes and Sims, who share two children, had a tumultuous relationship that included a restraining order filed by Sims in 2020 before their reconciliation and Barnes' proposal in 2022. Their second child was born in September 2024.
As of April 2026, Barnes remains a prominent voice in sports media. His 'All The Smoke Productions' continues to expand, launching a baseball podcast, 'ATS Dugout,' in March 2026, co-hosted by Barnes himself with former MLB All-Stars. He has also been involved in a public and heated exchange with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, accusing Smith of becoming out of touch and ego-driven, particularly after Smith's criticism of LeBron James regarding the Memphis Grizzlies. Barnes also offered his analysis on rising NBA talent, praising Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg in September 2025. His career post-NBA continues to be characterized by strong opinions, media engagement, and occasional personal controversies.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Matt Barnes made different choices?