Agent: Sonics, Allen agree to $85M, five-year contract

Allen was the catalyst and leader.

He averaged a career-high 23.9 points -- 10th in the league. Allen and his teammates bought into coach Nate McMillan's system, and forward Rashard Lewis developed into an All-Star, giving Allen a complimentary talent.

In the playoffs, Seattle beat Sacramento in five games for its first playoff series victory since 1997, before losing to San Antonio in six games in the conference semifinals.

Allen again starred, averaging 26.5 points in 11 playoff games, including a playoff career-high 45 in Game 4 against the Kings.

After the season, Allen indicated his hope of returning.

"That's been my goal the whole time," he said.

Allen spent his first 6½ seasons in Milwaukee before moving to Seattle in February 2003 in a trade for Gary Payton. The UConn grad has averaged 20.6 points over his nine-year career.

Allen is the first of Seattle's nine free agents to agree on a new deal. Other key unrestricted free agents include guard Antonio Daniels and center Jerome James.

Last week, the team extended qualifying offers to four restricted free agents, including key reserve forward Vladimir Radmanovic and starting power forward Reggie Evans.

General manager Rick Sund -- who recently signed a three-year contract extension -- said before the NBA Draft that it was unrealistic to think Seattle would resign all of its free agents, but hoped the core would return.

Bringing Allen back was the first step.

"I don't think anyone can question the Sonics' commitment," Babby said.