When it comes to the Sonics, you have to know when to let go of hope

"Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper."

— Francis Bacon, English philosopher

Ever heard that quote? Leave it to a guy named Bacon to turn food into a moral. Hope is a nice desire, but protracted hope is about as useful as expired milk.

This is my way of saying I'm not expecting a Sonics resurrection.

I'm done being optimistic. I'm done pondering solutions. I'm done imploring decision-makers to expand their minds.

I'm done growling at Clay Bennett.

I'm done revisiting Howard Schultz's sins and wondering whether his lawsuit can become his redemption.

I'm done following this saga by the minute.

In this case, optimism and denial are Siamese twins. No more confusing them. I'm done. If the NBA comes back, great. If not, fine. Que sera, sera.

And when is the Seahawks' opener again?

After releasing the Sonics to Oklahoma City last Wednesday, Mayor Greg Nickels proclaimed this was a better solution than holding Bennett, the infamous man possessed, to the KeyArena lease.

"We think we have opened a better door for a long-term future," Nickels said.

The gathered media sneered. After putting Sonics fans through a six-day trial, after providing hope — yeah, that word again — that the fight to save the Sonics wasn't over, Nickels let Bennett cash out of his obligation.

It took three weeks for the parties to negotiate this settlement agreement. It was the longest fleecing in world history. Nickels might as well have handed Bennett the lease, as well as his wallet, watch and shoes, on the first day they met and spared us the angst.

The trade turned out to be terrible. It was the equivalent of the Los Angeles Lakers' deal for Pau Gasol. Nickels traded Seattle's oldest pro sports franchise for $45 million guaranteed, with the possibility of acquiring either an extra $30 million or a new team. Or, in other words, hope.

When do the Huskies start practice again?

In a market clearly opposed to spending public money on an NBA arena, hope carries the prudence of a solar-powered flashlight.

Continuing with his door analogy, Nickels says the city now has an "open door" with the NBA. Just a week ago, the door was closed and locked with a deadbolt, a chain, a couch and every failed center in Sonics history leaning against it. So there has been progress, but it was only because NBA commissioner David Stern got his way.

This would be the city's diplomatic approach to resurrection. One problem, however: The city only has 17 months to get a KeyArena renovation approved, or else the NBA's incentive to return its game here disappears.

The settlement agreement states that Seattle has until Dec. 31, 2009, to get its plan together. If it doesn't, Bennett doesn't have to pay the city that extra $30 million. And that door will slam again.

Bennett and Stern were shrewd in having this clause included. They are betting state lawmakers will continue to be a dysfunctional, highbrow group of contrarians.

If they're wrong, Stern has until 2013 to give Seattle a new team or watch Bennett, his new BFF, hand over the $30 million to the city. If they're right, however, that obligation is gone, and maybe Bennett will send us some tumbleweeds for those empty, stranded basketball winters.

Some members of the state Legislature are already sounding resistant. If the state wouldn't save the Sonics, why would it resuscitate them? Only an overwhelming reaction from the fan base will change things. Many will stand up. Many more will turn apathetic or resentful or disillusioned. Can't blame them, either. There is no proper way to grieve.

So, hope? Well, I hope to be wrong, but that's about it.

When is the trade deadline for the Mariners again?

I'm hoped out. This happened long ago for some of you. I remember the e-mails. The Sonics are gone. Give up already. That faction was right, in a sense, though the conclusion was more complicated than that.

I see the fresh e-mails. We have only begun to fight. Never give up. Hey, what about hockey as a substitute? That faction is right. Expectant faith is charming. New ideas are wonderful. Persistence is admirable. Let's all support those efforts.

But my wishful thinking will be used for more plausible endeavors. Like reducing gas prices. Or training superfan Big Lo to win a marathon. Or helping Richie Sexson become beloved.

Those are asinine aspirations, eh? And yet, at this moment, they seem more likely than reviving the Sonics.

Hope — that's all we have.

Hope — it's what's for dinner.

Hope — I'd rather starve myself.

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