Trading Vitali

I think that Vitali is handling this well and professionally. I have had some things in the past that I have and have not liked about the Sonics organization. One of the things that I've liked is that they were accommodating to Eric Snow who was not playing, but sitting, behind Gary Payton and asked to be traded. Wally Walker not only traded him but sent him to a team that had a situation that could benefit Snow. The 76ers needed point guard help and Snow had an opportunity to play and develop. He ended up starting many games, had a trip to the NBA Finals, developed better skills and was rewarded with a pretty good contract.
I believe that Rick Sund and Wally Walker will work to find Potapenko a situation that would be beneficial to him if a trade returned an asset, at the very least didn't return some baggage or a bad contract.
Early last year Vitali was on the bench for the wrong reasons. This year he's on the bench for the right reasons. In either case Vitali has acted as the professional that he is. I believe that if the requirements can be achieved for both parties then something will happen.
What is possible? He could go to a loser team where he could start, play and display his skills prior to his impending free agency.
He could go to a team that is wanting to make a run at the playoffs, needs front court help but doesn't want to be tied to a long contract.
In either case I would look for him to go east where a team either plays against the Shaq lead Miami Heat, or is the Shaq lead Miami Heat.


From the SeattlePI.com
"We're still in the early stages," Bauman said of an inquiry into a trade. "Vitaly would be very satisfied if he stayed with the Sonics and played the whole season there. He just wishes he was more a part of it. He knows that he can do a good job."