Assume

Let's assume that draftexpress.com and all the other prediction sites out there were right for the past three weeks, and that the Sonics were interested in taking Jerryd Bayless with the #4 pick.

Well, have you seen the DraftExpress board today? Take a guess at where they have Bayless going.

4th? Nope.

6th? Nope.

8th? 9th? 10th? Nope, nope, nope.

11th.

Yes, that's right, 11th. Which means, that if the Sonics are truly interested in Bayless, then they'd be pretty dumb to pick him at the #4 spot, considering that none of the next six teams wants him.

Which means, of course, that the smoke emanating from the Great Draft Day Rumor Mill may be caused by just a little bit of fire, and that the Sonics are, indeed, interested in trading down.

Deal Confirmed?

Chad Ford is reporting that a deal is in place between ... well, I'll just quote him:

The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3. If Mayo isn't drafted at 3, the deal is off according to two sources close to the information.

According to Ric Bucher (also of ESPN), the pick will be in 2009. and will be subject to restrictions.

UPDATE: Percy Allen at the Times quotes sources at the Sonics saying this deal is, in fact, a fabrication. So, in the words of Gilda Radner, "Never mind."

Stern Will Say Seattle

According to the Daily Oklahoman, David Stern will announce the Sonics' pick(s) today with the words "Seattle Supersonics," and not omit the city's name. An NBA official confirmed this to the Oklahoman.

I'd been wondering about this the past few days, but I'm glad it is so. Doesn't mean alot, but it means something to people here.