Harrison Barnes‘ departure from Golden State might be the best thing for his future.

After four years with the team, Barnes signed a lucrative four-year, $94 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

While the $23.5 million-per-year amount sounds like star-worthy money. Barnes admits he's yet to earn that star treatment.

“People assume that just because you get paid a lot of money and have a lot of attention that all of the sudden you're guaranteed this many shots,” Barnes told Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News.

“I have to prove that every day in practice. I have to prove that to the coaching staff, and ultimately, if I'm going to be the guy taking shots, I've got to prove it to Dirk (Nowitzki).”

Barnes recognizes that the team is still long ways from being called his:

“Out of respect, this is Dirk's team,” he said. “He's put in the years and won a championship. But I have to go out and earn that.”

The 6-foot-8 small forward out of North Carolina is taking a level-headed approach to his new team, which shows in his eagerness to learn.

“You have to have that balance of scoring and playmaking, and learn how to be a closer,” said Barnes.

“I think that's the beauty of it, that I get to learn from one of the best to ever do it in Dirk Nowitzki. You talk about guys closing games, he's got to be top-five all time. I'm just looking forward to learning from that guy.”

Barnes had modest numbers last year with the Warriors, averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists per game last season and shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from three.

He should see ample minutes and better numbers as Nowitzki dwindles down his career and the Mavs could use a scoring punch from starters other than the German international.

“Whether I'm ready or not, I guess we'll find out starting with the first game,” he said. “But I'm willing to put in the work. And that's the biggest thing I've learned from coach (Rick) Carlisle.”

“(Carlisle) said: ‘It's going to be a process. We believe you're ready. We think you can be that player. But there's going to be some growing pains just because you're going to be adjusting to some different things.'”