Seattle Shuffle

Having the fifth worst record at the end of the season, the Seattle Supersonics lucked out in this years draft to acquire Kevin Durant; a terrific athlete, and possibly a future all star. Before draft day I could remember thinking, damn… Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Chris Wilcox, and either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, that’s going to be a kickass lineup for the Sonics.

Well that changed quickly as Ray Allen was traded away to Boston for the rights to Jeff Green, and then today Rashard Lewis agrees to a deal with the Orlando Magic. Sure this will give Seattle some much needed salary cap relief, but was it worth losing 2 all stars to do so?

Rashard Lewis is leaving the Northwest and taking his game to Orlando.

One of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, Lewis agreed to a “maximum contract” with the Magic, his agent Tony Dutt said Tuesday.

Lewis made the decision late Monday night after meeting with Magic officials in Orlando.

“He had a comfort and a gut feeling and he feels they have a championship core, and that’s what he wants to do is win a championship,” Dutt said.

The terms of the deal are still being worked out, but Lewis is expected to receive a deal in the range of $15 million per season. The Magic wouldn’t comment Tuesday, citing league rules that an agreement cannot be announced until July 11.

Orlando can only sign Lewis to a five-year contract, while Seattle could sign Lewis to a six-year deal. Dutt said the Magic and Seattle are in discussions about a sign-and-trade deal that would give Lewis that sixth year, help Orlando clear some salary and give Seattle something in return.

Sonics officials would not comment on the possibility of a sign-and-trade.

Seattle (AP)
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Furthermore, the Sonics just hired P.J. Carlesimo (former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach) as their new head coach. This team looks nothing like the 2004 Sonics who had their first 50 game winning season since 1997. Of course this may not be the most terrible thing as after the 2004 season the Sonics have pretty much been in free fall.

The Seattle SuperSonics appear set to pluck another piece from the San Antonio Spurs.

The Sonics have scheduled a Thursday news conference amid reports that the team has hired P.J. Carlesimo as its new head coach. Team officials refused to comment Tuesday on a report that first appeared on the San Antonio Express-News Web site, which said Carlesimo had been chosen by Sonics ownership.

Carlesimo and former Minnesota coach Dwane Casey have been considered front-runners for the Seattle job. Casey told The Associated Press on Tuesday evening that he was informed by the Sonics they were going with another candidate. Casey said he was not told who the choice was.

Seattle (AP)
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