Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle Times reports: Ruben Patterson ? who turned 26 today ? signed a contract yesterday with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers used their $4.5 million exception to sign Patterson to a six-year deal worth about $34 million. Because the 6-foot-5 small forward was a restricted free agent, the Sonics have 14 days to match the contract and force his return. But Rick Sund, the Sonics' general manager, said the team won't match the offer.

The Sonics passed largely because of owner Howard Schultz's reluctance to re-sign Patterson after the conviction.

Patterson must miss the first five games next season for the modified guilty plea to the attempted rape charge.

In other Sonics news, The Sonics waived Wolkowyski one day before the contract of the 6-foot-10 center would have been guaranteed for next season.