http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2002680222_soni13.html Sonics facing uncertain times By Percy Allen Seattle Times staff reporter The Sonics enter tonight's game against Golden State at KeyArena seeking to even their record for the fourth time this season, but finding a harmonious balance has been difficult for a team that has been anything but consistent. Paramount among its problems has been a defense that is last in the NBA in points allowed and has surrendered at least 100 points in 14 of its 19 games. At other times, coach Bob Weiss' seemingly sporadic rotations, Ray Allen's shooting woes and a lack of experienced centers have been the Sonics' undoing. Each game has presented new challenges. The prevailing concern this week revolves around a sense of belonging involving a quartet of Sonics. After Monday's practice, Danny Fortson rhetorically asked if the NBA wanted him in the league. And Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans and Ronald Murray are wondering if they will remain with the team for the rest of the season, or if one, two or all of them will be dealt before the Feb. 23 trading deadline. Teams can begin trading players who signed contracts during the summer on Thursday. Radmanovic and Murray have been included in several trade scenarios, but nothing significant has materialized. Both spurned long-term deals and signed one-year tenders, as did Evans, which gives them the authority to veto any trade. Tonight Golden State @ Seattle, 7 p.m., FSN "It's kind of peace of mind because if they are about to trade you, you're the one who has to approve it and say, 'I want to go there' or 'I don't want to go there,' " said Radmanovic, who declined a six-year, $42 million deal this summer. "Maybe they want to trade you somewhere where you're not going to play at all. "You end up somewhere behind an All-Star player, and you're going to sit on the bench for the rest of the season. It makes no sense. If they want to trade you, hopefully they'll find something good for both sides." Radmanovic is averaging 9.5 points, which is more than a two-point decline from last season. He has not asked for a trade and has stopped demanding more playing time, but said he's not opposed to a deal if the situation is agreeable. "I'm trying to make the best out of what's going on here," said the 6-foot-10 forward who had hoped to start, but has settled in a reserve role. "At the beginning of the season, playing-wise and shooting-wise, my whole game was out of rhythm, and now I'm just trying to get back on the right track and help this team win." A week ago, Murray expressed satisfaction with his assignment as the first guard off the bench. He said he felt no regrets about the offseason negotiations and wouldn't bring up his contract with management during the season. Like Radmanovic and Murray, Evans' minutes have fluctuated at times. He has started 12 games and been a reserve in five others. "I'm content," Evans said. "I'm comfortable here. I'm happy, but I'm not happy with the wins and losses. But overall, I'm happy. "I've been cool. I've been keeping my head. That's the main thing. Keeping your head and staying solid. I went through my down time this year. The main thing is staying professional and keeping focused. That's my motto: Stay real professional." The same might be said for Fortson, but after being ejected in the fourth quarter of Friday's game at Utah, he has been spouting conspiracy theories and believes that the officials are biased against him. Fortson has been ejected twice this season and has collected four of his five technical fouls in his last four games. He said he plans to appeal his latest suspension, which caused him to miss Saturday's game and forfeit 1/110th of his $6.4 million salary, roughly $58,000. "I think I'm being singled out," he said. "It's unfair, but what else can you say? Everybody sees the same thing I see. I know I'm not as crazy as everyone makes me out to be. Clearly, things are set against me. It's as simple as that. It's hard to come out here and play every day when you got some old men [referees] that are bitter about something and want to take it out on me. "I can't go out there and play my game. I'm underneath a microscope." When asked if he'd consider changing his rugged style, Fortson said: "Hell, no. Kick me out the league. I'm not changing [anything]." Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com Copyright © 2005 The Seattle Times Company
Radmanovic made one of the dumbest decisions in the history of the NBA when he turned down $42MM guaranteed. At this point, it looks like he'll be lucky to get the MLE next summer.
Dumber than Spreewell's decision citing that he needs to feed his family. I'd say Radmanovic ranks #2 behind Spree's.
Anyone that signed a one-year tender has veto power on any trades. The chances of these guys being traded in a single package is remote at best. Evan
Yeah, that was the only reason i came to this thread. Doesnt their trio include Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis? I doubt those guys are going to be shipped.
