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Sonics retain Wilkins in new deal

The Seattle SuperSonics re-signed restricted free agent Damien Wilkins last Wednesday, matching an offer sheet made by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wilkins signed the offer sheet from the Timberwolves last Thursday, and Seattle had seven days to respond.Wilkins` transition to Minnesota would have been relatively easy. In the offseason, the Wolves hired longtime Seattle assistant Dwane Casey as their head coach. Casey plans to use a system much similar to the freewheeling transition game that made the Sonics one of the surprise successes last season.

The deal is for five years and $15 million, Wilkins` agent Mark Bartelstein said.

"I`m glad to know that I",m wanted," Wilkins said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. "It`s a great feeling that the team and the players want you back."

As a rookie last season, Wilkins averaged 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. But he averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 25.2 minutes in the Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio, including 15 points and six rebounds in Game 3. He signed with Seattle in October as an undrafted free agent.

"He improved as much in one season as any player we can remember and we expect that trend to continue," Seattle general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. ``We believe Damien will be a part of our young, talented core for years to come."