First thing's first, the Seattle Supersonics have to figure out where they're playing. It's looking more and more that their eventual destination is Oklahoma City, according to current owner Clay Bennett's wishes. Even if the two lawsuits filed against the Sonics (one by the City of Seattle for breaking their lease on the KeyArena deal and the other by former owner Howard Schultz) go against the Sonics, it's unlikely the courts will force them to stay in Seattle against their will.
Rumor has it that Oklahoma City has even picked a color scheme for their new professional basketball team (black and gold), and that the NBA Team Name Contest has narrowed the picks down to four nicknames - Thunderbirds, Barons, Outlaws and Thunder. [Source: The Oklahoman]
Despite the off court distractions, Seattle does have some bright young prospects to build around. 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and fellow rookie Jeff Green showed great potential and even showed flashes of being able to play together toward the end of the season.
The Sonics finished with the second worst record in the league, winning only 20 games, but still only wound up with the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Irregardless, they should be able find some help at needed positions with that pick.
Free Agent Watch
The Sonics probably won't be spending much money on free agents anytime soon. They'll be more interested in clearing additional cap space and stockpiling draft picks and prospects for the future. Besides, they won't want to move the team with a lot of dollars tied up.
2008 NBA Draft
Word is that the Sonics really like point guard Jerryd Bayless, who may be more of a scoring guard than a true point. Nevertheless, the Sonics are an awful offensive team. They ranked 23rd in the league in field goal percentage, 28th in three-point field goal percentage and had the second most turnovers per game in the league (15.2 per game). Bayless has the ability to create his own shot and get to the foul line, and has great elevation on his perimeter shot. He would give the Sonics another perimeter scoring option to take some of the pressure off of Kevin Durant. Other options might be center Brook Lopez and combo-guard O.J. Mayo.
Trade Opportunities
The Sonics probably won't make any blockbuster deals, but could shop one of their point guards if they draft Bayless. Luke Ridnour had an injury-plagued season and never really shined and Earl Watson may hope to be dealt to a winning team. In addition, the Sonics have a logjam at the small forward position with Durant, Green, Damien Wilkins and Mickael Gelebale. With the emergence of Gelebale late in the season just before his injury, Damien Wilkins could be on his way out.
The Sonics will be in the news all summer with their lawsuits and likelihood of moving cities, which may distract from their personnel maneuvers. However, it's safe to say that their goal will be to build toward the future. They have a pretty good start with Durant and Green.
