Ray-Ray Returns!

Thanks Ray, the lunchbox is in the mail!

Break out the "fine champagna": it looks like Ray-Ray is re-signing with the Sonics.

All-Star shooting guard Ray Allen has agreed to a new contract that will keep him with the Seattle SuperSonics, SI.com has learned.

Terms of the deal were unknown. Last February negotiations broke down on a five-year extension in which the Sonics were offering $75 million while Allen was holding out for an $80 million deal.

Allen's return to the Sonics is expected to help them in their contract negotiations with coach Nate McMillan, who expressed reservations about returning to Seattle unless Allen and other free agents were re-signed.

from SI.com

All right, Nate, now it's your turn!

UPDATE: It's official: Ray Allen re-signs with the Sonics for five years, $80 million.

Nate Watch

Don't leave us, Nate!

The Nate McMillan watch continues this week with several conflicting and probably untrue stories and/or rumors. First, the Seattle Times reports that the Sonics have given Nate until tomorrow to decide if he wants to stay with team.

Speaking of the Seattle Times, the Northwest's worst sports columnist Steve Kelley (who famously gave up on the '87 Sonics) tells Nate to "chase the money" to Portland. Nice. I'd tell you to do the same, Stevie, but no one except the Times is stupid enough to pay you.

Meanwhile, the New York Daily News reports that Nate is "moving closer to finalizing a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers". GUH?!

So, what do all these crazy stories and/or rumors mean? It means that, until tomorrow, no one really knows what Nate McMillan is going to do except Nate McMillan.

Sonics draft Frenchy center - a million fans weep

Johan Petro: He totally dominated the French Vineyard League!

Somewhere in the depths of Canada, Nussbaum is shaking his fist at Wally Walker.

With the 25th pick of Tuesday's NBA Draft, The Seattle Supersonics picked Johan Petro, a seven-foot "project" from France. (Groan):

NEW YORK - The Seattle SuperSonics have picked up a Frenchman with the 25th overall pick in Tuesday night's NBA Draft, getting Johan Petro.

Petro played for Pau Orthez in the French Pro A league the last two seasons. He averaged 6 points and 3.3 rebounds in Pro-A, and 5.1 points in the Euroleague last season.

Petro played well in the 2004 European Championship, averaging nearly 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 2.2 steals in five qualifying games. In the challenge round, he averaged 9 points and 7.8 rebounds in four contests.

The seven-footer is just 19 years old, but he's already earned significant playing time against upper-level international players. He has a nice touch inside and will clean the offensive glass from time to time.

Petro also entered the NBA draft last year before withdrawing his name from consideration.

from KOMO TV

Since I know nothing about Petro (except for his ridiculous name), I suggest we all take a deep, cleansing breath, and read about Mr. Fancypants here:

Johan Petro bio
Johan Petro interview
Official Johan Petro Website!

And, in case that wasn't bad enough, the Sonics drafted another French Guy in the second round! Sacre bleu!