SuperSonics pick up contract options for Petro, Swift

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SuperSonics pick up contract options for Petro, Swift

October 20, 2006

SEATTLE (AP) -- The SuperSonics exercised their fourth-year option on center Robert Swift on Friday and their three-year option on center Johan Petro.

That means both are under contract through the 2007-08 season, after which each has a player option to remain with Seattle.

Swift, a first-round pick in 2004 whose contract is governed by the league's previous collective bargaining agreement, could have become a free agent next season had the Sonics not picked up his option by Oct. 31. Petro, drafted in the first round in 2005, fell under the new CBA. He could also have been a free agent next season if Seattle didn't exercise its option now.

Last season, Swift appeared in 47 games and averaged 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. Petro played in 68 games and averaged 5.2 points, 4.4 rebounds.

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SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/basketball/289530_sbok21.html

Sonics Notebook: Swift, Petro get 1-year extensions
Saturday, October 21, 2006

By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER

Robert Swift and Johan Petro have been grouped together since the Sonics drafted them in consecutive years. They are the same age, the same size and have similar upside and work ethic.

So it was no surprise Friday when the Sonics exercised options on both players' contracts, ensuring they will stay with Seattle at least through next season.

For Swift, the team's first-round pick (12th overall) in 2004, it was a fourth-year option, while it was a third-year option for Petro, who was the 25th selection in the 2005 draft.

The two are battling for the starting center slot and Swift appears to have the edge. He started Friday night's preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and he has stood out for coach Bob Hill in the past week.

"I think it shows that the organization has confidence in us," Swift said of the extensions. "It's incentive. You want to go out there and do your best because you know the team has invested in you."

Swift averaged 6.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 47 games, most under Hill, who decided against sending him to the NBA Developmental League. Swift played in just three games in the season's first two months.

Petro played in 68 games and averaged 5.2 points and 4.4 rebounds

"We are very excited about the futures of both these young men," general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. "Both Robert and Johan have shown improvement each season they have been with the team. and they continue to use their individual talents to make their teammates better."

The Sonics are expected to offer Rashard Lewis a two-year contract extension once the sale of the team to the Professional Basketball Club (LLC), led by Clayton Bennett, is approved on Wednesday.

FIRST CUT: Because of injuries, Hill has been slow to reduce his roster. but the club finally made a move, waiving rookie free agent Kenny Adeleke.

The Sonics are now at 17 players and are expected to begin the season with 14.

The club is not expected to make its next round of cuts until Tuesday when it returns from Phoenix. Five players -- Denham Brown, Desmon Farmer, Milt Palacio, Kareem Rush and Mike Wilks -- are on non-guaranteed contracts.

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