<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He indicated that he would welcome a chance to return to shooting guard. He also said the chance to play for a contender isn't a determining factor in his decision. "Who knows if those options are going be available?" he said. "In all of my conversations with Rick (Sund, Sonics GM) and with people in Seattle, I've always said I like to be around to see a player develop. ---------------------------- Barry said he would like to have a deal in place before July 14, the first day teams can sign players to a contract. "I talked to Rick a couple of times and certainly, the door is still open to come back to Seattle. I'm hoping so. Maybe we could get something done sooner rather than later." The two sides broke off contract talks in February and Barry described the discussions as amicable. It had been widely reported that the Sonics offered a three-year, $18 million deal, but Barry strongly refuted those reports. "That deal was never been on the table," Barry said. "That deal has never been offered. Never. It's not something I want to get into, but I heard about that offer and that's not true. They offered a couple of different deals that didn't reach that number." Barry was noncommittal when asked if he would accept a similar deal. To sign Barry, the Sonics could use all or a portion of their mid-level exception, which is expected to be valued at $5.5 million, as well as the million-dollar exception. Barry, who will turn 33 in December, also dispelled another misconception, one that insinuated he would only grudgingly give up the starting point guard position to second-year player Luke Ridnour. "I have no problem with that," said Barry, who has been a fixture in the starting lineup for four of the past five seasons. "He's gonna be ready. How soon? Who knows? It's his position. Like I said to Luke, it's a matter of time."</div> <font size="1">Full Story courtesy of Percy Allen and the Seattle Times.</font> Typical Brent, always staying classy despite the situation. Unselfish too, if Ray is traded perhaps there's the option of moving him back to shooting guard. All preliminary, though, I wouldn't be reading too much into things, he is just saying all the right things by everyone.
Brent Barry is a valuable asset to this team but considering that we are already over the salary cap I don't know if he will be worth the salary hit down the road (especially if he gets the fourth year he desires). If we are going to be in rebuilding mode (which Swift's draft pick certainly tells me) then we should look to get younger (see Marquis Daniels). The only way that Barry would ever play extended minutes at the two is if Ray were traded/injured. If those are his future plans than I believe that he will leave for greener pastures.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iron Shiek:</div><div class="quote_post">The only way that Barry would ever play extended minutes at the two is if Ray were traded/injured. If those are his future plans than I believe that he will leave for greener pastures.</div> And that would probably leave Flip out. I have a niggling feeling, after thinking about it, that we're pretty much going to cut our losses on Barry. Someone will offer four years, likely Denver, which probably leaves us out in the cold.
Denver have made initial enquiries about him, while Houston are reported to have a big interest in Barry. They land Brent and they are going to be a real title contender this upcoming season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">ETC.: Houston has offered Seattle free-agent guard Brent Barry a four-year, $24 million deal, which might be too pricey for the Nuggets, considering he's 32</div> Link I don't see Barry turning that deal down.
^ No doubt it'll be a fierce battle between Ron, AD and Ridnour for the starting job on opening night. Of course, either of the former two could be involved in a trade before then, although I sincerely hope not.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I hope Sonics management has heard of Darrell Armstrong. No, I am not looking at the 36-year-old Armstrong as the answer to the Sonics' free-agency questions. I am just worried that last year's Armstrong may be this year's Brent Barry. The Sonics have said they want Barry, 32, back. They just don't want to give him the fourth year on his contract. Barry has said he would return provided he receives a fourth year. However, the deeper you dig into Barry's free agency, the more you realize this is a more complex issue than just one year.</div> <font size="1">Full Story courtesy of David Locke and the Seattle PI. </font> ^ An excellent article from Locke on Barry's importance to the team, and why we need to re-sign him. I'm torn on whether offering him four years is a smart move. He is 32, but he is that important to the team it's not funny. Do you offer four to get two or three good years max, just to have him around?
