Mike Tulumello of the East Valley Tribune report that the Seattle Super Sonics and star shooter Ray Allen appear to be no closer to an agreement on a new contract which will keep Allen in Seattle beyond this season, but neither side is panicking just yet.

The Sonics offer - $68 million over five years, with a starting salary of $11 million, is $3.5 million less than what Allen is making now, but it would still keep him as the highest paid player on the team.

Allen doesn?t appear willing to agree right now, and the Sonics don?t seem willing to change their offer much, either. Both sides indicate the trade deadline next month isn?t a drop-dead date, but Tulumello reports that?s how it could play out.

Allen has said he would consider playing for the Cavaliers if it came down to it when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. There?s one major reason why he would play in Cleveland despite the brutal snow and cold.

"LeBron James has taken his game to another level," Allen said. "And a lot of those guys have fed off of him.

"Anytime he plays hard and puts that passion into the team it makes them better."

A new collective bargaining agreement could dictate the amount that Allen will be able to sign for with any team, with maximum contract lengths set to be a key item for discussion between the league, the owners and the players.