Brent

Barry

Barry has spent the last six seasons as part of the Spurs’ front office, but he will join Mike Budenholzer on the sidelines starting this year. This is his first NBA coaching job, but he’ll look to turn his 14-year playing career into success in this new role. The expectations will be high for this squad, which will be led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Barry is expected to start in the Sonics’ backcourt this season.

Barry has targeted a Friday return, but coach Nate McMillan couldn’t rule out using him tonight with the questionable status of Ray Allen and Flip Murray.

''Brent felt like missing five games would put him sometime in January,’' coach Nate McMillan said. ''He felt he would be ready before that - possibly even this weekend.’'

Barry and Ray Allen will start alongside each other for the first time this season.

Don’t expect Barry back for at least two more weeks.

There is a week until the trade deadline. Barry is out with a broken bone in his hand that will keep him sidelined until March. The Sonics are 2-6 since he got hurt. Money is not expected to be the issue with whoever signs Barry. He might actually see a drop in salary, but is seeking four years.

Barry is currently out 5-6 weeks with a broken finger, so he wouldn’t be back playing yet if the Celtics trade for him before the Feb. 19 deadline. It’s not certain what the Celtics would offer, but sources say Chris Mills, unable to play this season because of injury, could be the bait since he’s making $6.6 million in the final year of his contract. Barry would start at point for Boston while Marcus Banks continues to learn.

The Sonics are using this week to decide if they want to sign Barry to a contract extension, or let him walk as a free agent. Barry has been very clear that he wants his next deal to be for four years, so Seattle must determine to give it to him, trade him, or let him walk without getting anything in return.

The Sonics have offered him $18 million over three years. The Nuggets and Celtics are also believed to be interested.