Nunyo Demasio of the Seattle times reports: Howard Schultz and Gary Payton were among the celebrities who attended baseball's All-Star Game July 10 at Safeco Field. When the Sonics owner crossed paths with his franchise player outside the clubhouse, they embraced and exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes. It was one of the few such exchanges between Schultz and Payton this summer.

The owner and his best player haven't had the closest relationship. And in light of the uncertainty concerning Payton's future, Payton and Schultz agreed to get together in the next several days to talk.

"They don't know each other well," said a Sonics source who requested anonymity. "Once they spend time together, that should really help the situation."

It will be interesting to see if Payton stays in Seattle.