Mr. Stern Comes to Olympia

As he does every year, NBA Commissioner David Stern spent Trade Deadline Day in Olympia, at the Ramada Inn, just chillin'.

Alright, he was there on business, trumpeting the Sonics' need for a new/improved arena, or else. Howard Schultz and Wally Walker accompanied Stern to the legislative hearing, after which they broke for lunch and went to Wendy's.

In a related note, the Sonics no longer have the "worst lease in the entire NBA," as that title has been grabbed by the Trail Blazers (yes!). Here's a funny quote from the story:

"In a comparison with the Key Arena lease for the Seattle SuperSonics, Conn said the Trail Blazers receive no revenue for suites, clubs, courtside seats, game concessions or parking.

"The Sonics, by comparison, receive 40 percent of the revenue for suites, 60 percent for clubs, and 100 percent for courtside seats, game concessions and parking."

Isn't it amazing how teams can twist things around to suit their argument? For the past couple of months we've had to endure Schultz & Co. whine endlessly about how no other team in the league has to put up with what they do, and now we come to find out that the Blazers are fighting the same battle. Sigh.

Good-Bye, Mr. Flip

Flip Murray has taken his point guard "skills" to Cleveland, espn.com is reporting. The Cavs sent Seattle Mike Wilks, a 2nd-round pick, $500,000, and a pin from the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Wilks, like Murray, is only signed through the end of the season, and is due to make about $700K this year. He's a 5'10" guard out of Rice University, making him the second Rice U. grad to suit up for the Sonics ($10 for naming the other one). Counting Wilks, the Sonics now have four PGs on their roster (including Rick Brunson, which Bob Hill would obviously rather not).

I can't imagine Wilks will get much playing time in Seattle, but since it's his 5th team in less than 4 years in the league, he's probably not too worked up about it. Although, after reading this article from a couple of years ago, you can't help but root for the guy.

(It's official)

Watson a Sonic

"Wattstax" is back!

The Sonics have finally pulled the trigger on the much-debated, never-consumated acquisition of Earl Watson from the Nuggets. (Thanks to Nate for the tip).

Here's how it breaks down:

To Seattle:
Earl Watson
Bryon Russell
Denver's 2nd-round pick

To Denver:
Ruben Patterson
Charles Smith
Reggie Evans

To Portland:
Voshon Lenard
Brian Skinner

To Sacramento:
Vitaly Potapenko
Sergei Monia

My initial reaction? The Sonics could be hoping that Watson pushes Frodo to perform at a higher level, and that he'll pair well with Ray. If that's the case ... it's still a dumb move. Guys like Earl Watson are not rare, and now we've wed ourselves to him for five years. Could not the Sonics have found someone similar in the free agent market/draft this summer, signed them to a cheaper, and shorter-term contract?

I understand the logic in shedding the Potato's contract and moving Reggie Evans, but this still doesn't seem wise to me.