Vin Baker expects to be back in Seattle for another season.  The Sonics tried to trade Baker last summer, but weren't able to pull the trigger.

Baker says this year is different from last year.  Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle Times says the change started last summer, when owner Howard Shulz took Baker under his wing.

After their rough start, Schultz and Baker developed a close relationship last summer. The owner realized that Baker was a sensitive player who reacted better to encouragement than criticism. For much of the season this approach worked.

So Baker wants and expects to be back in Seattle.  He says, "I loved being there this season. I think we had a great season."

Coach Nate McMillan recognizes Baker's value a low-post presence in the playoffs.  And Baker feels with a healthy Calvin Booth and Jerome James, he'll be a better rebounder.

Demasio says it's same old same old: Baker saying he'll get better next year, while the Sonics pay him a ridiculous amount that makes it nearly impossible for them to trade Baker.  But efforts to trade Baker this summer will be lower key.