The Sonics motion asked Pechman to decide how much a potential buyout would be if the Sonics won their case regarding terms of the lease. The city filed a suit against the Sonics in order to force the team to honor a specific performance clause in the contract, which states that the team must play all of its home games at KeyArena through September, 2010.

In her ruling, Pechman stated the Sonics’ request falls outside the scope the two parties had agreed on during a scheduling conference in January. Pechman also stated that granting the Sonics’ request could delay the trial.

The Sonics had asked for an accelerated date for the trial, which begins June 16, with the possibility of the team moving to Oklahoma City this season should they win the case. Adding the task of determining a buyout could delay the trial because of the added work involved for both parties.

Assistant GM search goes on

Sonics general manager Sam Presti said he is searching to fill the role of assistant GM. Scott Perry left the position, taking the job of vice president of basketball operations with the Detroit Pistons.

Perry, 44, was with Detroit for seven years, beginning as a college scout and working his way to director of player personnel before joining the Sonics. Perry’s wife and daughter still lived in a Detroit suburb during the season while Perry worked in Seattle.

With a salary cap specialist, assistant general manager Rich Cho, already in the fold, Presti is searching for another good talent evaluator like Perry to help continue the rebuilding process for the Sonics as the team tackles the upcoming draft and free agency.

Eric D. Williams: 253-597-8437

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