The Sonics will enter their 40th season without one of their key younger players, as the Seattle Post-Intelligencer learned Thursday night that center Robert Swift will miss the season with a right knee injury.

According to a Sonics player and another member of the organization, Swift's MRI revealed major damage that will cost him the year. Team physician Richard Zorn will examine the MRI results today and the team is expected to make an announcement this afternoon.

The Sonics player said the team was informed of the news before Thursday's 111-107 overtime preseason win over Golden State at Spokane Arena.

Sonics coach Bob Hill refused to address the extent of Swift's injury before the game, telling reporters the team would handle the results upon its return to Seattle. Swift, 20, was injured in the first two minutes of the team's 103-88 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.

"I feel really bad for Robert because he worked so hard," Hill said after Wednesday's game. "He came in to Furtado (Center) every day and lifted and it made a difference. I was really excited for him."