Will P.J. Carlesimo be the Sonics coach for the 2008-09 season?

“Absolutely,” Presti answered the question posed by reporters gathered to cover the team’s announcement of Kevin Durant as the NBA Rookie of the Year.

The meticulous Presti created some speculation at season’s end when he declined to affirm that Carlesimo would be back for his second season, saying he needed to talk with Carlesimo and Sonics chairman Clay Bennett and figure out the direction of the team before making a decision.

Fueling speculation that Carlseimo could be on his way out was the availability of talented coaches such as former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and Larry Brown, who was recently hired by the Charlotte Bobcats.

However, Presti confirmed on Thursday that Carlesimo, who is entering the final year of a two-year deal that pays him $3 million a season, will be back at the reins next season.

“Any time you go through a tough year you sit down and you have to review things,” Presti said. “We’ve done that. And we’re both committed to continue to build the best basketball operation that we can. And we’re going to move forward.”

For his part, Carlesimo said he wasn’t overly concerned about the speculation and felt he would return for another season.

“It’s not a question of assurances. You know, you (only) get told if you are not coaching,” Carlesimo said. “Sam and I have had great conversations.”

Although there was some grumbling from veteran players about Carlesimo’s grating personality during the season, Seattle rookie Kevin Durant said Carlesimo still has the support of the players.

“Even though we were losing, and we didn’t win as many games as would have liked, everybody respected P.J. a lot,” Durant said. “And I think he did a great job this year, even though our record doesn’t show that.

“But how he interacted with us during practice and during games, and as for myself how much he trusted me to take a last shot or even run plays for me ... I’m glad he’s been my coach in my first year.”