On Tuesday, Danny Fortson confirmed that he asked for a buyout last month after the Sonics were unable to trade him. He said team officials denied his request, however, and told him he'd have to finish the final year of his deal.

"I brought it up in a conversation with Bob Hill and Rick [Sund]," Fortson said. "They basically said they could use me and we all agreed that I can go out and help them get to the playoffs. So I'm here."