Bryon Russell, a 13-year veteran coming off a knee injury in the preseason, is still in talks with the Sonics about his status.

"He was the consummate professional. I talked to him on the phone and told him, 'Hey, to get the deal done, you had to be in the deal. I don't want you to catch a flight and fly to Seattle if it's not a good situation for you,' " general manager Rick Sund said.