The Nuggets are close to signing Detroit Pistons free-agent shooting guard Jon Barry to a one-year deal in the $2 million to $3 million range early this week, according to NBA sources.
The high-energy, 11-year NBA veteran was a key reserve for Detroit last season, averaging 6.9 points and 2.6 assists in 18.4 minutes per game. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder ranked 10th in the NBA in 3-point field-goal percentage (.407) last season and seventh in 3-point field goals made per 48 minutes (2.84). Barry, 34, is the son of basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry, brother of Seattle SuperSonics guard Brent Barry and brother-in-law of PGA golfer Billy Andrade.
When asked about the Nuggets' shooting guard situation, general manager Kiki Vandeweghe would only say, "I do think we need a veteran presence at shooting guard. I think we will get something done soon."
Shooting guards on the Nuggets' roster include swingman Rodney White, Vincent Yarbrough and Jeff Trepagnier.
Denver is considering adding another shooting guard; candidates include free agents Stephen Jackson of San Antonio, Voshon Lenard of Toronto and Dion Glover of Atlanta.