Moves split Sonics clan

In the past, this is where the bonding happened. The Sonics would embark on multicity trips and to keep the group cohesive, co-captains Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis would gather players for dinners and movies.

It didn't translate to victories — the Sonics missed the postseason the past two seasons.

Blame injuries. Blame coaching changes. Blame a lack of talent.

As the Sonics boarded a flight Monday for their first extended trip of the season, Lewis and the fun he instilled is one of the first memories his former teammates referenced. They'll find other ways to build chemistry with a new group of players and coaches, but for some it will be nice to see a familiar face. Seattle begins a five-game trip against Lewis and his new team, the Orlando Magic, tonight at Amway Arena.

Lewis, a 6-foot-10 forward, is putting up solid numbers. Meanwhile, the organization that raised Lewis for his first nine seasons in the NBA — turning a teary-eyed 18-year-old on draft day into an All-Star — is relying on another 19-year-old, rookie Kevin Durant, and is off to a franchise-worst 0-7 start.

"We still talk," said Sonics forward Chris Wilcox, who will probably be guarded by his close friend tonight. "He calls and gives me encouraging words, just like I'll call to say, 'Good game.' It's a great situation for him. He got paid and he got put in a situation where he can grow. That's what the NBA is about — getting to a situation where you can grow and where you're wanted."

Wilcox, Damien Wilkins, Allen and Lewis had pregame meals together last season, the younger stars always trying to get Allen to pick up the bill. But it was Lewis who had to be held back from paying.

When Allen was traded to Boston on draft day, Lewis and his teammates wondered what was going to be made of the group they fought to keep together. Feeling unwanted in Seattle, Lewis opted out of the final two years of his contract and had his agent work on a sign-and-trade deal that will ultimately pay him more than $118 million over six years. The deal also made it possible for the Sonics to pick up veteran Kurt Thomas from Phoenix.

Wilkins was on the phone with Lewis when the deal went through in July.

"I heard his other phone [ring] and all I heard was, 'OK,' " Wilkins said. "He came back and said, 'Well, I'm out.' I was like, 'Wow, it's really happening.' "

Others had similar reactions.

"I was speechless," guard Earl Watson said. "Those are two guys [Lewis and Allen] that I got close to, and they made an effort to make sure the team was around each other a lot. It was cool. But you wish the best for the both of them because they're both playing on great teams."

Lewis averaged a career-high 22.4 points last season in Seattle. He moved ahead of Shawn Kemp into fourth on the Sonics' all-time scoring list (10,148) and is sixth in rebounding (3,222).

The Texan's impact also extended to the community; he built a private movie theater for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and dropped by to play video games on the big screen. He also hosted radio shows of his favorite hits.

Lewis' final run with Seattle teammates was Jet Skiing on Lake Washington with Luke Ridnour, visiting Wilkins in Atlanta for a charity party that included rap artist Ludacris and working out in Houston with Wilcox.

Wilcox was there for the birth of Lewis' daughter in the offseason. Wilkins was going to offer up his Orlando home, until he remembered Lewis has pit bulls.

"They'd tear up my furniture," Wilkins said with a laugh. "He's got enough money to get his own place."

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com