On The Ball
Sonics Takin' Care of Business
Although summer is in full-effect all across the country, representatives of the Seattle Supersonics must have thought Tuesday was Christmas when they ran down the stairs and looked under the tree and saw a new five-year contract signed, sealed and delivered with Ray Allen’s name affixed at the very bottom.
Allen, arguably the biggest free agent on the market this summer, has agreed to terms with the Sonics on a five-year deal that is worth $80 million over five years with an additional $5 million attainable in performance bonuses.
Allen's agent, Lon Babby, said Tuesday morning via conference call, "We did wander in the desert for a while, before we got to the promised land. When Ray became a free agent and we had a chance to explore opportunities, we were able to report back to the Sonics on what the market was dictating and they essentially responded accordingly."
'Responded accordingly' could almost qualify as the understatement of the year. Had the Sonics lost Allen, a rippple effect would have been felt throughout their entire organization and throughout the league as well.
The Sonics are also trying to re-sign free agents Antonio Daniels, Vladimir Radmanovic, Reggie Evans, Jerome James and Ronald 'Flip' Murray not to mention head coach Nate McMillian, who may very well be the hottest coach on the market as well.
Although Allen, who dropped almost 24 points per game on opponents this past season, can't actually sign the contract until the league lifts its player movement moratorium on July 22, the move will have major ramifications for, not only Seattle, but the rest of the free agent market as well.
The Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks both wanted Allen badly and the Cleveland Cavaliers tabbed Allen as their back-up plan should Michael Redd decide to return to Milwaukee. Allen, who earned about $14 million this season, and the two sides, tried to negotiate a new deal during the regular season, but could not agree. Both sides started talks again after the playoffs and to the Soncs credit, they got the job done.
"It took a long, long time, but except for momentary lapses, it was a completely amicable process," Babby said. "I think Ray comes back to Seattle with a peace of mind now that he's seen what is out there and decided the best place for him is in Seattle."
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About Eric Williams
Eric Williams is six year veteran Sports columnist for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun. Eric was born and raised in Philadelphia and has covered all four major professional sports in the Philadelphia area. He has also covered golf, track and field, soccer, tennis and bicycling.
Lifetime Boston Celtics fan. Basketball and football are his favorite sports. Eric is married with five children and currently resides in Marshall, Missouri.
Comments and feedback can be sent to eklass66@yahoo.com