More on the Sonics' fate

Several of the Mavs have strong ties to Seattle. Jason Terry grew up here, Avery Johnson started his career here and Paul Westphal coached here. All have expressed their dismay with the probable move.

“I believe in my heart that the city of Seattle deserves an NBA team,” Johnson said.

Terry plans to leave Key Arena with a memento from tonight. He’s not sure what he’ll be able to sneak out of the building, but he drafted an accomplice in Mark Cuban.

“Got Cuban working on it right now,” Terry said. “We’ll see what he comes up with.”

Westphal has spent much of pregame catching up with old friends from the organization. A blast from the past and current Seattle resident, James Donaldson, stopped by to chat with member of the Mavs traveling party, including assistant general manager and long-time friend Keith Grant.