Payton's place

Sonics' star could have a new home soon

SEATTLE -- He’s the face of the franchise, almost as much a part of the civic identity as Starbucks and the Space Needle.

But Sonics guard Gary Payton confronts an uncertain future these days. At age 34, and in the final year of his contract, the Glove doesn’t know if he’ll be in Seattle much longer. Some speculate he could be gone by the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

Indiana? Portland? Miami? Milwaukee?

All have been mentioned as possible destinations for the nine-time All-Star. While it is unlikely he’ll be moved this season, talk around the league is growing: Payton’s days in the Emerald City appear to be numbered.

"I’m just going to come out and play basketball," said Payton, who has remained tight-lipped about his future. "Whatever happens at the end of the season, then let it be. So be it. That’s just the way life has got to go."

Payton's new jersey? Gary Payton plays at New Jersey on Monday night. He might want to check out the surroundings while he’s in town. After all, Payton could be a member of the Nets next season. If Payton’s good friend Jason Kidd were to decide to sign with the Sonics as a free agent this summer, it is possible the Glove could end up going to New Jersey as part of a sign-and-trade. Call it the Bay Area Solution. The Sonics would love to have Kidd, who fits better into their rebuilding plan. But they don’t want to disrespect Payton, who has meant so much to the franchise. By working a sign-and-trade, all sides would benefit. The Sonics would get Kidd. The Nets would get Payton to fill the hole created by Kidd’s departure. Payton would get his money and a chance to play for a contender. Of course, it all depends on Kidd. He has said that he wants to stay in New Jersey, which can offer him the most money. But rumors persist that Kidd would prefer to live closer to his Bay Area roots. He’s also friends with Sonics owner Howard Schultz. If Kidd were to decide to leave, he could ask the Nets to work a sign-and-trade. That way, he could get more money and they could get something back for him. New Jersey could say no, but it wouldn’t have the cap room to sign another big-name free agent. "At that point, it would be a game of poker," one team executive said. "The Nets could call his bluff. Or they could make a deal." Two years ago the Pistons and Raptors were faced with similar situations when free agents Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady each decided to move to Orlando. Both Detroit and Toronto agreed to sign-and-trades with the Magic, getting Ben Wallace and a first-round draft pick, respectively, in return. As for Payton, he would get a nice going-away present in the form of a $10 million contract. With so few teams under the salary cap, it is doubtful he could do better on the open market. Moreover, Payton would get a chance to end his career with a genuine title contender.

For many NBA fans, the thought of Payton not playing in a Seattle uniform is hard to imagine. Since arriving as a brash rookie out of Oregon State in 1990, he has largely defined the Sonics. He holds numerous team records -- including most career points, assists and steals -- and he led the team to the 1996 NBA Finals.

"He’s the best player ever to play here," said Sonics coach Nate McMillan, who was also a former teammate. "He’s a Hall of Famer."

Payton still is among the top players in the league -- he averages 20.9 points and a league-high 9.2 assists per game -- but he will be a free agent after the season. He is said to be seeking a three- or four-year deal that will pay him near his current $12.9 million annual salary. The rebuilding Sonics, unwilling to exceed the luxury tax, are not likely to meet that price.

As great as Payton has been, he will turn 35 this summer. Few point guards play at a high level much beyond that age. Moreover, Payton has clashed with new owner Howard Schultz over the team’s refusal to extend his contract, skipping the first day of training camp as a protest.

The Sonics reportedly have their eyes on Nets guard Jason Kidd, 29, who also can become a free agent. By clearing the contracts of Payton and Kenny Anderson off their books this summer, the Sonics could be around $7 million under the salary cap. With a few other moves, they might be able to clear enough additional room to lure Kidd, who is from the West Coast and is friends with Schultz.

But even if Kidd decides to stay in New Jersey, Payton still might not be part of Seattle’s plans. The Sonics could decide instead to make a run at free agent point guards Andre Miller, Gilbert Arenas or Jason Terry. Or they might decide to trade Payton now, perhaps for a young stud and draft picks.

"Out of respect for Gary, I met with him before the season and told him I would not shop him," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said. "But I would listen to calls. He said he understood."

While Payton remains popular in Seattle, some argue the franchise is in need of a new image. The Sonics haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 1998 and attendance has dwindled. The ideal scenario might be to keep Payton as a mentor to young studs Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason, but it is unlikely he’d accept a drastic pay cut to make it happen.

However, Payton’s options could be limited. Only four other teams -- the Spurs, Jazz, Nuggets and Clippers -- will have enough room under the salary cap this summer to make him an enticing offer. San Antonio is expected to use its money on Michael Olowokandi to replace the soon-to-be-retired David Robinson, while the Clippers are going to have enough trouble signing their own guys.

That leaves Denver and Utah. Payton already has said he doesn’t want to join the Nuggets’ rebuilding plan, and it is doubtful he would want to spend the next few years in Salt Lake City. Besides, the Jazz are expected to target Miller -- the former Utah star -- if John Stockton decides to retire.

Payton, famous for flapping his gums on the court, has steadfastly refused to talk about his situation with the media this season. But his friends around the league say he is clearly frustrated. T’wolves forward Kevin Garnett recently said he could read it on Payton’s face when they met on the court before a recent game.

"I’m sure there is some frustration," addeds Sonics guard Brent Barry, one of Payton’s best friends on the team. "But Gary’s a professional. He doesn’t talk to us about any of it. He just laces ‘em up every night and plays."

For now, that’s all Payton can do. His days in Seattle might be numbered, but he apparently intends to go out with a Sonic boom.

Marty Burns covers pro basketball for CNNSI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.

 

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