Sonics fans need Paul Allen to just say no to fellow owners

Over the past week in relocation purgatory, we've discovered the new Sonics owners have been lying through their inboxes, and we've heard the old owner cry, at least for effect, that he wants his team back.

If you fear that bad things happen in threes, perhaps you can root that wacky things follow the same pattern.

So, what's next? With the NBA Board of Governors meeting today and Friday to decide whether to allow Seattle's oldest pro franchise to move to Oklahoma City, now would be a good time for another prominent local businessman to transform into a billionaire nag.

Paul Allen, help us.

We're desperate.

We know you own the Portland Trail Blazers, and it would be in your best financial interests to let the Sonics leave without fuss and capitalize on an opportunity to acquire sole possession of the Northwest NBA market.

We know that, without the Sonics, there are likely television dollars you can make by bringing the Blazers to our tubes.

We know that quarreling with another owner's desire to make money can be a tricky thing, and we know that, if you were adamantly against Clay Bennett's relocation attempt, you would damage your bargaining power if you ever were forced to try to move your team.

But, hey, Seattle is your home. And you've already done so much for pro sports in this city. You saved the Seahawks. You are helping to bring Major League Soccer here. This is just one small request.

Vote no.

Don't let the Sonics go without a fight.

And raise enough commotion for your fellow owners to have reservations.

OK, OK. Reality check: In truth, this fight is probably over. The board is expected to approve the move. Oklahoma City has already impressed members of the board's Sonics relocation committee. They will strongly recommend allowing the Oklahoma Raiders to take our team. Dissension figures only to elongate the meetings.

Still, Seattle needs to be heard, even if it's in vain. Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, seems willing to assist, but he's known as a free-will owner. If Allen joined Cuban, then we'd have some good infighting.

It's unclear if Allen will even be in New York for the meetings or if he'll send a representative. He declined an interview request on this matter. But nevertheless, his voice can be heard, and his vote will count.

All we have are prayers right now. We must resort to launching 75-foot buzzer-beaters to try to save the Sonics. More than anything, Seattle needs time. It needs to convince NBA owners that it would be unfair to vote on moving the team with all the uncertainty swirling.

How can the owners vote on allowing a team to move when the Raiders are still tied in a lease? How can they vote when Howard Schultz, the former owner, is suing to get the team back? How can they vote when Bennett has yet to answer questions about e-mails that clearly showed he made a bad-faith pledge to try to keep the Sonics in Seattle?

Legal discovery has already led to one shocking revelation. There's no telling what other evidence is out there. It would be foolish for the NBA to approve such a move under these circumstances. It would be like if the Denver Nuggets trusted Carmelo Anthony to drive the team bus.

Several owners must raise these questions, loudly and exhaustively. It's only fair. They must read the requests of Gov. Christine Gregoire and other state and local leaders to keep the team here — not just skim, but actually read, comprehend and reconsider. They can't let the politics of being an NBA owner — in other words, blindly supporting one of your own — get in the way of a diligent evaluation.

It takes a simple majority of the 30 owners to approve Bennett's relocation request. In all likelihood, it will be difficult to find 16 owners to vote against the move, but maybe that likelihood increases if someone is bold enough to make the group consider the logic.

Paul Allen, help us.

He understands the political atmosphere here. He understands the fans' passion. He knows this is a crucial market for any pro sports league.

Sure, this plea for Allen's help seems about as desperate as fan speculation that Allen might one day move the Blazers to Seattle. That won't happen. Portland is too solid of an NBA market, and the Blazers are poised to enjoy an incredible run of success over the next decade. Allen doesn't need to think about anything but his own team.

A little benevolence is good for the soul, however.

Seattle's oldest pro franchise is at stake over the next two days, and one of our own has both a vote and considerable clout.

Paul Allen, help us.

Vote no. Make other owners at least think twice about voting yes. Turn what seems like the inevitable into a real squabble.

No, it's not your fight. But it is your city.

Jerry Brewer: 206-464-2277 or jbrewer@seattletimes.com. For his Extra Points blog, visit seattletimes.com/sports