There's a possibility that Sonics restricted free agent Chris Wilcox may play for the qualifying offer in 2006/07 if negotiations drag into the summer, according to Wilcox's agent, Jeff Fried.

"If that's what it comes to, Chris is prepared to do that," Fried said Monday. "It's not a wait-and-see situation. Chris is working out this week, and we're getting together later this week to discuss that very issue. It's not fair to Chris. He wants to be with his teammates and coaches he will be with the next few years."

It is the same scenario played out by Vladimir Radmanovic with the Sonics last season.  Radmanovic, ironically, was traded to the Clippers for Wilcox during the season.

Although there appear to be teams -- including Phoenix and Golden State -- who are interested in a sign-and-trade, the Sonics have rebuffed those offers, unwilling to disjoint team chemistry by acquiring multiple players.

"We've had dialogue the past few weeks," general manager Rick Sund said, "but we are not close to an agreement."

The Sonics seem comfortable with the prospect of Wilcox playing under a one-year contract, given that there could be just three teams -- Orlando, Atlanta and Charlotte -- under the salary cap next season.