Frank Hughes of the Tacoma News Tribune reports: Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis confirmed to The News Tribune on Monday that he plans to opt out of his contract in the summer and become an unrestricted free agent.

Lewis also said that he wants the Sonics to pay him the maximum salary allowable, a contract starting at $10.6 million per season, or he is going to explore joining another team.

Lewis signed a three-year, $13 million contract with Seattle two summers ago, but has an escape clause that allows him to become a free agent this summer. Because he is getting a new contract and not an extension, Lewis is seeking a deal worth around $102 million over seven seasons.

Sonics majority owner Howard Schultz declined to be interviewed for this story. Sonics CEO Wally Walker said the team wants to keep Lewis, but declined to comment in detail because Lewis has not yet opted out of his contract.

"My numbers compare to Kobe Bryant's numbers when he was a rookie in the NBA, and his next two years, and our numbers are pretty much around the same area," Lewis said. "I am developing well, the same way he developed as the years went by."

In Bryant's third season in the NBA, Bryant, 23, a year older than Lewis, averaged 19.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists. In Lewis' third season, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Lewis, whose averages have increased every season, is averaging 16.6 points and 7.6 rebounds this season, shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.

Lewis mentions Houston and Cleveland as possible destinations if he chooses to leave Seattle this summer.