The Sonics are likely to keep the pick or package it with one of the other players they're trying to trade (Patterson, Baker, Williams) ... I wouldn't count on the Sonics moving it for other picks or players. Thomas would be an interesting acquisition, however. The Sonics aren't interested in Haywood, no matter what you here. If I had to bet today, the pick would either be Michael Bradley or DaSagana Diop (if he falls, which Sonic management prays nightly for). ------------------ Keep GP Homepage
I hope you guys take Bradley ahead of us. ------------------ "norm, would you like to buy an indian scalp ? This deal isn't gonna make or break me Norm, so don't jerk me around." Harry Carey "Norm, if I had a mohawk scalp, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you."
Man, the Sonics NEED Players. They have only 5 players under contract for next season: Barry, Baker, Lewis, Mason & Payton. Patterson & Shammond Williams are POpts and Wolkowyski & Oyediji are TOpts. They will be under the cap easily, so FA's are a possibility. In addition to pick 12, they have 40 & 42. Jelani McCoy may stick around, but I think Ewing will head East. Bakers contract is somewhat of an albatross reaching $15.75m in 2005-2006. Ouch!!! If they trade down into the second round and for some future 1sts, then they will have more $ for FA's. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited June 16, 2001).]
The Sonics have the 12th pick in the June 27 draft, but Sund said he doesn't know if they will keep that pick. The Associated Press (Seattle Sonics writer probably), http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/sports/bk/bkn/944454 Would 18 and 23 be a good trade for both teams? I know its good for the rockets and the Sonics may need some players with the possible losses of patterson, ewing, and maybe Baker(aka the Seattle Cato- decent, but overpaid player). 6 guys is a far way to drop especially considering Seattle is looking for size. KJ and Haywoode may still be available at 18 and maybe at 23, but Woods or Chandler might be there at 12. KT might interest them as a backup. Collier, doubt it unless they want to open up the middle of the floor. On the side... If I was a returning Jordan, I'm offereing the #1 and Rip for GP. Additional players added to fit cap rules. ------------------
The Sonics also have Ruben Wolkowyski and Olumide Oyedeji under contract, although they are not guaranteed ... technically not a team option, although it is generally considered as such. With likely return from sign-and-trades of Williams, Ewing, and Patterson, players aren't really an issue ... it's basically about finding quality big men, that's all. ------------------ Keep GP Homepage
SonicGuy - I agree you need a big man, but I believe Williams, Ewing, & Patterson are unrestricted FA's if they Opt out, the S&T decision is theirs NOT the Sonics mgmt. This is exactly like Shandon Anderson with Houston. IMHO, with a serviceable 5 (let's say Marc Jackson caliber) you still need players. 5 under contract 2 Team Opt's 1 Lotto pick 2 2nd rounders 1 FA signing 11 Total I can't see both 2nd rounders making the team (they do not have guarantedd contracts). You will still need an additional 2 to 5 players. Williams and Patterson may have a financial upside to S&T but Ewing (like Olajuwon) does not. That gets you to 12....maybe...and it's basically the same team with Marc Jackson. I also think Jelani will go elsewhere, but that's another story. Perhaps he is also a possible S&T as he may stand to make more $. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited June 17, 2001).]
If Diop falls to 12, I will **** my pants. And then I will pray the Rockets trade whatever is necessary to Seattle for the #12 pick. ------------------ Jazzkiller
GATER-Patterson is restricted, and I believe Williams is as well. The financial advantage Ewing could get is more money. Sonics have his LBR, so if a team wants him, and he won't accept the exception, he'd have to ask Seattle to work a S/T. TSG-What is the Sonic opinion on Patterson? Before his recent problems, I thought he was considered a must resign, is the general feeling now to not even put up a fight and let him walk? ------------------ "I think alot of people find Cato's game to be very offensive." -aelliott, comparing the offensive skills of Kelvin Cato and Michael Olowokandi
NIKEstrad - I checked again and you are somewhat correct. Both Williams & Patterson can BECOME restricted FA's. As I interpret the CBA, the Sonics have until June 30th to give each of them a "qualifying offer" making them "restricted" and to my knowledge this has not yet been done. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited June 17, 2001).]
Everything I've read indicates Seattle wants to send Patterson somewhere on a S&T, but they will not retain him. Plus, I understand that he would have to be a registered sex offender in Washington. If they are going to move Payton, which it seems might be likely, you would think they might want to hang on to S. Williams. He has a nice outside shot, but has trouble inside the arc. With new management and a new coach, moving Payton seems more likely than ever. Can the team ever be McMillan's until Gary is gone? ------------------
Alright, Rocket fans, in order through your questions: 1. Williams, Patterson, and Ewing are expected to agree to a sign-and-trade at least partially to help out the Sonics. Patterson and Williams both got a chance to shine in Seattle. Falk, Ewing's agent, has also said that he wants to help the Sonics after they got Ewing out of New York. The financial aspect is also important. There is pretty general consensus that they will all go in sign-and-trades, but who knows for sure? Anderson, on the other hand, seems to have been more upset with his Houston treatment. 2. If Diop is there, the Sonics WILL take him ... they have apparently scouted him heavily, and Walker has made it known he's not a big fan of Haywood or Woods. 3. Pinetree is generally correct. Patterson's gone. New owner Howard Schultz has been big about having good people and players, so he can't keep an admitted rapist. Even if he could stay, Patterson might not because he can't start and would have to register as a rapist in the state of Washington (wouldn't have to elsewhere). 4. Williams really doesn't fit McMillan's ideology of passing and defense. He's probably gone irregardless of the future of Payton. As for it not being McMillan's team, that's debatable, but McMillan and Payton are fairly tight from their playing days, and Nate wants Gary to stay. BTW, Pinetree, you post in the BskBALL Rocket board, don't you? ------------------ Keep GP Homepage
SG, I can't imagine Diop being there at 12. Y'all are some lucky bastards if he is. I see Woods as the best big man that may be there at 12. If Walker doesn't like Woods, its doubtful he'll like any of the other centers with the exception maybe being K Johnson. Randolph is probably the best PF that will be left unless I'm forgetting someone. Would the sonics go for a SG if Diop and the other top big men are gone? I think Jefferson and Payton would be a great backcourt to have defensively. How well did Olemide play this past year? ------------------
SonicGuy- S&T contracts must be for a minimum of 3 years. That may be real tough in the case of Ewing. As you know, Falk is his agent and I'm thinking it's more about the money and less about a warm fuzzy doing something for the Sonics. Having Ewings $14m of your cap feels good, doesn't it? What's the scuttle on Baker? Think positive - Jordan managed to get rid of Juwan Howards contract. I would think the Pistons would be curious about Baker. ------------------ Raef to Rocks in '01-'02! [This message has been edited by GATER (edited June 18, 2001).]
Joe Joe - I can't imagine it myself, but I can hope. With his injury, it sounds like he's been slipping, but I guess we'll know in a little more than a week. The Sonics are very unlikely to go anything other than big man. Their theory, as repeatedly stated last year, was 'we're as good as anybody at the 1, 2, and 3 positions', with Payton, Desmond Mason as the future at the 2, and Rashard Lewis. Olumide had some nice run in his limited minutes, showing some excellent rebounding and occasionally strong defense (though troubled by foul problems). He also gave a lot more effort than most of his teammates. I think next year he'll be a strong bench player, certainly on the defensive end. GATER - I hadn't thought about the 3-year rule ... that will make it tough. I wonder if that can be circumvented by, say, 2 years of options? As for Baker, yes, positive thinking is really all we can do. Imagine you guys if Cato's contract were doubled and he'd yelled at your coach and owner. Not fun. ------------------ Keep GP Homepage
I don't think Seattle makes that trade, but this seems fairer....#13 and 23 for the #12 and #40. That allows us to avoid three guaranteed contracts. imo, it is a primary objective to get down to 2 1st-rounders this year. What I'd like more is the #13 and 18 for the #9 and #38. Or the #13 and 23 for the #11.
