Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle times reports: The next time Ruben Patterson returns to Seattle, the fourth-year player expects to be on the court as an opponent.

"I can't see myself coming back there," Patterson said yesterday, speaking from Columbus, Ohio, where he rents an apartment. "Seattle is a wonderful city. I love the fans there. They were great to me, and I'm going to miss that. But I can't see myself coming back there. My wife doesn't feel comfortable. And my kids won't want to come back there. We just have to move on and start a new life."

Patterson envisions his return taking place Jan. 11, when Cleveland make its sole visit to KeyArena, or Jan. 29, when Portland comes to town.

Cleveland, Dallas and Portland are among several teams that have shown interest in Patterson via a sign-and-trade deal. But Patterson must agree to the deal and strongly prefers Cleveland or Portland.