Notebook | Cuban speaks out: Don't move the Sonics

Some signs in the KeyArena crowd encouraged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to run for NBA commissioner. In the buildup to the Sonics' potential move to Oklahoma City, Cuban has spoken out against the measure.

He did so again Sunday.

"I'm trying to stand up and say I don't think moving is the best choice," Cuban said. "I think Clayton Bennett would be phenomenal for the NBA, I just don't think moving the team from Seattle is the way to do it."

Mavericks player Jason Terry, who is from Seattle, reiterated his disbelief at the possible loss of his childhood team. Before and after the game, Terry was decked out in green and black, in honor of the Sonics.

"To realize it may be a reality is going to be tough," said Terry, who gave 60 tickets to Sunday's game to family and friends. "Seattle without basketball? We love the Mariners, we love the Seahawks, but the Sonics are always in our hearts."

Terry, a former Franklin High standout, missed a three-pointer with 21.9 seconds left that would have given the Mavericks a two-point lead.

Terry said the enthusiasm from the 16,272 fans lifted the Sonics to a 99-95 victory.

"Maybe if they would have got that support early in the year from the fans, maybe they would still be here," he said. "I don't know if it's a money issue or they need a new arena, but KeyArena is fine with me. It's been great for many, many years. ... If I was the owner, I would keep them here."

NOTES

• Sonics center Johan Petro returned to the starting lineup against Dallas. He replaced trade acquisition Francisco Elson, who has averaged 34.2 percent shooting from the field, 2.9 rebounds and 3.0 points in 20 games with Seattle.

• The Sonics on Sunday signed guard Ronald Dupree through the end of the season. He initially signed a 10-day contract.

• Mouhamed Sene rejoined the team for the home finale. He's unable to participate in the Idaho Stampede's playoff run in the NBA Development League because of a knee injury.

• The NBA's Board of Governors votes later this week on whether to approve owner Bennett's request to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City. Seattle is suing the franchise to honor its KeyArena lease, which runs through September 2010. The trial begins June 16.

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