I just believe this to be the case.

One the Block?

Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld is reporting a rumor that the Sonics are open to trading Ray Allen to "liquidate" his contract from a team that is "especially in the wake of the team being put up for sale

 

Ray Allen is apparently available, according to a league source who says the Sonics may look to liquidate Ray this summer, especially in the wake of the team being put up for sale. There has been rumors that the Bulls, who own a mountain of cap room, could trade the #2 pick to Seattle in a package for Allen, a Bulls sources says the seems unlikely as Scott Skiles has an aversion to "star" players opting for lesser known guys that will practice

- Steve Kyler

 

Hmmm, trading Ray Allen and selling the team. I would guess that a buyer would want to choose what to do with an asset after they buy a team and not have somebody else limit those options. So, a draft day trade looks unlikely but not impossible.

It's possible that both are true. It's also possible that Mr. Kyle is repeating a trial balloon.

There was a rumor last year that Trader Bob Whitsett was part of a group looking to buy the Sonics. That rumor didn't go far. Yesterday Ric Bucher said on ESPN radio, NBA Finals Pre-game show, that Trader Bob has surfaced with Microsoft money that doesn't belong to Paul Allen. trader Bob is looking to buy the Blazers. I'll guess that Trader Bob will buy the Sonics with somebody else's money after his attempts to get control of the Blazers is thwarted. The selling price will be absurd, but that's ok since it isn't Bob's money he is spending, again.

I just believe this to be the case. Steve Ballmer sits courtside. I have wondered for a few years if he would have the desire to get involved with the Sonics mess.