Notebook | Wilcox, out for season, says he would like to stay

Sonics forward Chris Wilcox said he'd like to remain with the organization in the future.

Wilcox is out the remainder of the season with a dislocated right pinkie. His contract expires after next season, but he said he'd like to have an extension before training camp.

"It's definitely a situation that I fit," said Wilcox, who turned down a five-year, $62 million deal in 2006. "I'm getting plenty of time, and I'm helping this team. Whatever comes at the end of the season, that's who I'm with."

That desire coupled with the team headed for the worst record in franchise history is why Wilcox opted to heed the advice of doctors and his agent to forgo the remaining nine games and allow the injury six weeks to heal. Wilcox averaged 13.4 points and 7 rebounds.

"[We] thought it was best for me," Wilcox said. "I'm not concerned right now. This is something minor, and hopefully in six to eight weeks, like they said, everything will be all right — it's just something in the past."

Wilcox will continue to travel with the team.

Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said little would change because center Francisco Elson has returned from injury and forward Donyell Marshall is playing better.

Forward Nick Collison is starting in place of Wilcox, averaging 10.2 points and 10.7 rebounds as a starter in 25 games this season. Carlesimo has also played 6-foot-9 rookie Jeff Green at power forward in small lineups.

"I don't want them to think I gave up on them or anything like that," Wilcox said of his teammates. "I want to play, I want to be out there on the court just like them. The most I can do is keep pushing them and be around."

Rumor mill

NBA commissioner David Stern alluded to the possibility of Seattle getting another NBA franchise after the Sonics' likely departure — by purchase or by expansion, if Seattle meets certain criteria. But the rumor floating around KeyArena on Friday that Charlotte might be up for sale is false, according to those within the organization.

"Somebody else asked me about that, but that's the first I've ever heard of it. I don't know where that came from," said Bobcats assistant coach Phil Ford. "At least I hope it's not true."

Memphis is reportedly for sale but is contracted to play at the FedEx Forum through 2016. It would cost an estimated $100 million, plus purchasing costs, to break the lease.

Those within the Charlotte organization said allowing a team to leave is the worst way to handle the situation. The NBA returned to Charlotte three seasons after the Hornets departed; the Bobcats, in their fourth season, drafted Gonzaga star Adam Morrison last season. The Charlotte team ranks 23rd in attendance with 14,553, which is 76.5 percent capacity.

Note

• The Sonics will meet next week to discuss options for swingman Mickael Gelabale, who'll have surgery on his torn right anterior cruciate ligament.

• Green, Sonics assistant coach Brian Keefe and Storm forward Sheryl Swoopes will teach basketball skills and drills to children ages 7-15 at 2:30 p.m. today at the Alderwood Boys & Girls Club in Lynnwood.