 Oklahoma City WiretapSonics show interest in PopeyeFrank Hughes of the News tribune reports that the Supersonics are looking into a contingency plan in the event that Rashard Lewis does not return. On Monday, the Sonics brought in free-agent forward Popeye Jones to interview him in case Lewis chooses to join the Dallas Mavericks. Jones has also talked with the Mavericks. It appears as if Jones will go to the team that doesn’t get Lewis. "He has proven that he can rebound, and rebounding was one of our problem areas last season," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said. The only way the Sonics can sign Jones is if Lewis leaves, which would free salary space. If Lewis goes to Dallas, then the Sonics could offer Jones a salary starting at $1.4 million - and it would keep the Sonics under the luxury tax threshold. A source with knowledge of Jones' situation said that Jones, a nine-year veteran who has averaged 7.8 rebounds a game over his five-team career, is not interested in money as much as he is in the security of a multiyear deal. "A couple years ago we tried to bring him here," Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. "We still have an interest in him." Also, the Sonics are speaking with free-agent swingman Bryon Russell, though it is less likely Russell would join the team because he will probably sign with Washington. Russell has not visited the Sonics, but has been courted by the Wizards, which is why Jones is available. Oklahoma City, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Source: Sonics shopping LewisFrank Hughes of the News Tribune reports that the Sonics are shopping Rashard Lewis. Lewis is waiting for the Sonics to increase their current contract offer of six years, $60 million. That $60 million could be as much as $75 million if Lewis makes the all-star team each year of the contract. He also has the option of signing with the Mavericks who have a three-year, $15 million contract on the table. There is also the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal, which could get Lewis the contract he wants and also net the Sonics some value in return. According to three league sources, the Sonics talked to the Houston Rockets about acquiring second-year forward Eddie Griffin in exchange for Lewis. It is believed free agent Walt Williams is the other player that would be involved in such a deal, which would require the Rockets to sign Williams and then trade both he and Griffin to the Sonics. However, sources say the Rockets turned down such a deal because they did not want to part with Griffin. The Sonics also have talked to several other teams, including the Mavericks, about sign-and-trade scenarios but nothing has come close to being worked out. Part of the problem the sides have encountered is that with a luxury tax and a season of economic uncertainty looming, few, if any, teams are willing to pay Lewis more than the $60 million the Sonics are offering -- and that is the basis of Lewis's desire for a sign-and-trade. Teams are so cost-conscious that the Sonics have not received many calls from anyone trying to unload bad contracts because other teams do not want to take on a large, long-term contract. Oklahoma City, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Payton rift with Sonics growing?Percy Allen of the Seattle Times reports that Gary Payton has cancelled his celebrity basketball game. This may be another sign that the relationship between Payton and the Sonics is strained. "Gary and his management decided to cancel the event, but we are planning upcoming fundraisers," said Stephanie Aardal, director of Payton’s foundation. "We look forward to next year's All-Star Classic." Whether the game will be played here remains to be seen as Payton starts to take significant steps to distance himself from Seattle. He is considering whether to renew the lease of his KeyArena suite, valued between $80,000 and $150,000, as well as his 14 season tickets. In the past, Payton has said he wanted to retire in Seattle, but his stance has dramatically changed over the past few months, perhaps believing that Sonics management may not share his view. In May, Payton thought he had a clear understanding of the direction of the Sonics. Since then the two sides seem to be drifting apart. Before appearing in Johnson's charity game in Los Angeles two weeks ago, Payton said that he was unsure if a long-term commitment with the Sonics would occur. "I'm going to let my agents take care of that stuff," he said. Aaron Goodwin, one of Payton's agents, is adamant about signing an extension before the upcoming season and says he won't to return to Seattle once he becomes a free agent next year. The cost-conscious Sonics, who are already over the salary cap, are willing to exceed the luxury tax threshold and pay a dollar-for-dollar penalty in order to re-sign free agent Rashard Lewis. But they would rather wait before making a long-term commitment to the 34-year-old Payton. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Aug 2002 Archive
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