George Karl has been away from Seattle long enough that his returns to the Emerald City are no longer newsworthy. He is thoroughly a Milwaukee guy first and someone who used to coach here second, not the other way around anymore, as measured by his success and the size of his contract with the Bucks.

For Karl, coming back now is all about family. He drove here Friday night with his daughter, who works in Seattle, after the Bucks lost in Portland. His sister and his 96-year-old father still live here.

The novelty factor is gone from the favorable receptions he receives at Key Arena, and reunions with SuperSonics acquaintances are no longer quite as meaningful. While one of his favorite players, Nate McMillan, coaches the Sonics, the only active players remaining on Seattle's roster from Karl's coaching days are Gary Payton and Vin Baker.

Karl, who had an intense love-hate relationship with Payton, continues to socialize with the fiery point guard when the Bucks are in Seattle, but only after the game. Payton and Karl were the driving forces behind a Seattle team that made the 1996 NBA Finals, a fact that some refuse to let go.

And as long as Payton is made available for trade by the rebuilding Sonics, rumors regarding a reunion with Karl, no matter how unfounded, will continue to circulate.