RealGM Basketball

Oklahoma City Wiretap

Brent Barry to Denver talk still alive

Rick and Jon Barry, living close to each other for the first time in Jon's 12 year career thanks to his contract with the Nuggets, have made great strides working on their relationship this season.

If the Sonics only offer fellow Brent, Jon's brother, a three year contract rather than four father Rick believes that the Nuggets have a strong chance of luring the free agent guard into the mountains to join the fold.

"If they're willing to give him four years at the midlevel, I'm sure he would certainly consider it," Rick said referring to the Sonics.

The Nuggets, who are expected to make a run for Brent this offseason, are under the salary cap despite making this year's playoffs, meaning they not restricted to the mid level exception worth approximately $5 million next season to sign free agent(s).

Via Rocky Mountain News


Blazers may try to trade for Ray Allen

The Portland Trail Blazers on Friday said that they wanted to trade one of their four forwards, and speculation in Portland is that it will be Shareef Abdur-Rahim, the player - along with Theo Ratliff - for whom the Blazers traded Rasheed Wallace.

Furthermore, sources in Portland think the Blazers may target Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen, in part because the Sonics are in desperate need of a low-post presence.

Though the Blazers did not say specifically that Abdur-Rahim is the player they plan to move, they have said this season they are committed to Zach Randolph, a leading candidate for the league's Most Improved Player award.

Abdur-Rahim, 27, is reportedly not happy with playing fewer minutes behind Randolph, and he did not provide the needed production to propel the Blazers into the playoffs for the 21st straight season.

Abdur-Rahim makes $14.625 million next season, the same amount as Allen, which means under the league's collective bargaining agreement they could be swapped one-for-one. Both players are entering the final years of their contracts.

Via Tacoma News Tribune


Sonics set for change

The Sonics definently need to make some changes. Rashard Lewis knows it and agrees with it, even if it is him who has to pack his bags.

"If this team was going to make a move -- and I think everybody wants to see some type of change, especially the fans -- I don't know if it will be me, or who it will be," he said. "You've just got to be cautious."

Lewis was unequivocal in his desire to remain in Seattle, but was equally aware that it's not his decision.

"I don't want to be traded at all," he said. "But I just feel that it's out of the reach of my hands right now, and there's so many changes the organization could make this summer and the only way I see changes made, you've got to give up something to get something."

Via Seattle Post-Intellegencer


Apr 2004 Archive

  • Allen has wait-and-see outlook for extension

    Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen said he will wait until July 1 to begin discussions with general manager Rick Sund about a possible contract extension.

  • As Sonics finish up, McMillan says he'll return

    The game may have been played near Hollywood, but suspense wasn't written into the Sonics' season-ending victory over the Clippers.

  • Barry ponders future

    As Brent Barry left for KeyArena yesterday afternoon, he wondered whether he would be playing his final home game as a Sonic.

  • Shawn Kemp joins USBL

    Six-time allstar Shawn Kemp signed a contract with the Oklahoma Storm of the United States Basketball League.

  • With James likely done, Sonics will sign big man

    Sonics center Jerome James, out with a strained abdominal muscle, probably will not return this season, coach Nate McMillan said yesterday.

  • James likely will return

    Seattle SuperSonics backup center Jerome James has told teammates that he is not planning on exercising the opt-out clause in his contract and that he will be back in Seattle next season to complete the third and final year of his three-year deal.

  • Sonics sputter, eliminated

    Fittingly it was Gary Payton who put an end to his ex-team's hopes of making this years playoffs, hitting a three pointer to stretch the Lakers lead to nine with four minutes left in the fourth quarter.