Frank Hughes of the News Tribune reports that the Sonics talked to the Mavericks about possible sign-and-trade scenarios involving Rashard Lewis. No agreement could be reached.

Sources say the talk ended when Seattle GM Rick Sund told Mavericks assistant coach Donnie Nelson that he wanted a combination of two of the Mavericks' top three players - Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash - in exchange for Lewis. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had said repeatedly that he was willing to work out a sign-and-trade for Lewis, but Cuban was adamant that none of his core players would be included in any discussions.

It is becoming increasingly clear that Lewis is going to have to decide between the Sonics 7-year, $60 million offer with added incentives and the Mavericks 3-year, $15 million offer with the hope of a big payoff after the third year. Any sign-and-trade deal deal would be difficult because the Sonics and Mavericks either would have to get a third team involved or would have to include so many players that it would make it virtually impossible.