Seattle initially offered the 32-year-old Barry three years at $17.75 million, with a counteroffer near San Antonio's proposal but worth more in the first three years and with a partially guaranteed fourth year.

Instead, Barry chose to join one of the NBA's elite teams. He's also likely to extend his career as a spot shooter coming off the bench.

Sund refused to confirm details of either team's proposal. Teams cannot discuss agreements until Wednesday, when free agents can begin signing with teams and the salary cap is set for next season.

Other teams believed to be pursuing Barry included the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors.

Barry ranked second in the NBA last season in 3-point shooting, making 45.2 percent of his shots. He averaged 10.8 points and 5.8 assists, but the best measure of his value was Seattle's 7-16 record when Barry missed 23 games with a broken right hand.

Barry took over at the point for Seattle after Gary Payton was traded at the deadline during the 2002-03 season.

He joined the Sonics in an August 1999 trade with Chicago for Hersey Hawkins and James Cotton. A starter in four of his five seasons in Seattle, Barry was the longest tenured member of the Sonics other than forward Rashard Lewis.

Seattle still has depth in the backcourt with All-Star shooting guard Ray Allen, Antonio Daniels, Ronald Murray and Luke Ridnour. The Sonics took a shooting guard, David Young, in the second round of last month's draft.