As strange as it might sound, Rashard Lewis is enjoying what could be his final days in Seattle, while the Sonics wrap up their worst season in more than two decades.
The losses are mounting and the Sonics have lost eight of their past nine games. Still, no matter how humbling the defeat, Lewis is able to retreat to the confines of the locker room, where he often engages in friendly banter with Chris Wilcox and Damien Wilkins.
"Who knows, Wednesday could be my last game as a Sonic, so it's important for me to have as much fun with these guys as I can," said Lewis, who will forgo the final two years of his current deal worth $21 million in hopes of securing a long-term deal that will pay him an average of at least $14 million per year.
"I'm not taking anything for granted. I've said over and over that I want to come back and that may happen, but you never know. You just never know what's going to happen."
Of course, he has said this before.
Lewis, 28, entered free agency in 2000 and '02. Both times he settled on what he considered a less-than-satisfactory contract and returned to the team that selected him 32nd overall in the 1998 draft.
In 2002, Lewis believed he was deserving of a maximum-level contract that would pay him about $95 million but agreed to a $60 million deal from the Sonics.
Looking ahead
Ray Allen: He's owed $52 million over the next three seasons and will be 35 years old when his contract expires. Allen's age isn't a huge concern because the seven-time All-Star is a fitness fanatic who has increased his season scoring average in each of the past five seasons. However, the Sonics are concerned about his unstable ankles.
Nick Collison: No one made bigger strides this season than Collison, who moved into the starting center position in January after Sene and Petro faltered. At 6 feet 10, Collison is undersized to man the post and he's a woefully inadequate shot blocker. Still, he's the Sonics' best low-post defender and will enter training camp as the starting center.
Danny Fortson: Once his $6.5 million contract expires in July, the Sonics will likely redirect those funds towards Lewis. Fortson likely will be forced into retirement. At times he says he wants to continue a turbulent 10-year-career, but admits that he has alienated many GMs and coaches.
Mickael Gelabale: A promising rookie season for the 6-7 swingman. He needs to be more assertive on the offensive end and must improve as a three-point shooter if he's ever going to play the two-guard position for major minutes.
Rashard Lewis: He has positioned himself for a big payday.
Randy Livingston: The journeyman guard was called up from the NBA Development League last week and doesn't have enough time to make a serious impression on management or the coaching staff.
Johan Petro: Aside from Chris Wilcox, he's probably the most disappointing player this season. Petro is 7 feet and 250 pounds, yet coach Bob Hill is convinced that he can't play center for long stretches because of his inability to rebound and block shots.
Luke Ridnour: He was on track for a career-best season in scoring before Hill removed him from the starting lineup on Jan. 6. He returned to the starting lineup for a short stint before injuries (herniated disc and sprained ankle) wrecked the second half of his season.
Mouhamed Sene: He has played just 134 minutes played this season. At his current rate of development, it will take Sene several years to justify Seattle using the 10th overall pick to draft him.
Robert Swift: If you believe Hill, the season could have been saved if Swift hadn't torn his ACL in the final exhibition. His status now is a mystery. He gained at least 30 pounds from the inactivity and faces a difficult recovery.
Earl Watson: A shooting slump that lasted for three-quarters of the season and a public dispute with Hill about his role mired his first full season since returning to Seattle after last season's trade with Denver. His .383 shooting percentage was his worst since the 2003-04 season, but he emerged as the Sonics' emotional leader on and off the court.
Chris Wilcox: He failed to reach many of the bonuses in the incentive-laden three-year contract he signed before the season. The deal is worth between $19 million and $25 million. Much like last season, he showed glimpses of greatness when the Sonics were out of playoff contention.
Damien Wilkins: Another uneven season for the do-everything swingman who has yet to carve out a niche with the Sonics.
Mike Wilks: Hill put it best when he said: "He's making me look like an idiot for not playing him more during the season." Wilks, a five-year journeyman, might have secured his first guaranteed contract with his play the past three games when he averaged 19.3 points and 8.3 assists.
Percy Allen
Perhaps learning from past mistakes, he severed ties with agent Carl Poston and hired Tony Dutt. He also wants to begin the courtship process sooner and does not want negotiations to drag out all summer.
"The longer things go, the more teams drop out and you have fewer options on what you can do," Lewis said. "That's what happened before and the Sonics were smart. They got me at their price. So we'll just have to see who's interested."
"Rashard could have given up on the season, but he chose to use these final weeks to work on his game and it's benefited him," coach Bob Hill said. "Now he's more comfortable putting the ball on the floor. He's become a better passer. But most importantly, he's felt the weight of carrying a team and he hasn't shied away from any of it."
While Lewis' future is in doubt, most Sonics are secure of employment for next season. In addition to Lewis, just four of 15 players — Danny Fortson, Mike Wilks, Andre Brown and Randy Livingston — will become free agents in July, and none was in the rotation most of the season.
General manager Rick Sund said signing Lewis is the Sonics' No. 1 offseason priority, and he might also explore a trade involving point guards Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson packaged with one of their three 7-foot centers (Robert Swift, Johan Petro, Mouhamed Sene).
Percy Allen: 206-464-2278 or pallen@seattletimes.com
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