The Seattle Supersonics general manager, Wally Walker, made an official statement today confirming that Nate McMillan "Mr. Sonic" has taken the head coaching job with the Portland Trailblazers.

"We have just been informed that Nate McMillan has accepted the head coaching position with the Portland Trail Blazers. We are feeling a mixture of pride in his accomplishments as the head coach of the Sonics and sorrow that he will not be a part of our organization going forward.

The pride stems from seeing his evolution in becoming a head coach less than five years ago to becoming a candidate for Coach of the Year this past year. He will be missed.

Our last compensation discussion detailed a proposal that on average would have made Nate one of the five highest paid active NBA coaches. While we made him a fair offer, we in no way begrudge Nate?s ability to earn more than we could offer.

Our respect and affection for Nate will not waver, no matter how paradoxical that he is moving to our Northwest rival, the Blazers. We wish him well, but not when he comes back to the Key!

More than anything, we want to thank Nate for 19 magnificent years as a Sonic; as a player, as a coach, and as an emissary for what is right with the NBA."