Sonics retain options on Swift
By GARY WASHBURN
P-I REPORTER
The Sonics kept open their options on Robert Swift by extending a qualifying offer to the oft-injured center, which will allow the club to match any offer he may receive from another team.
Swift, 22, will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Sonics had until Monday to make him a $3.57 million offer or relinquish his rights.
Swift has been limited to eight games over the past two years because of two knee surgeries and has never panned out after being selected 12th overall in the 2004 NBA draft.
Sonics general manager Sam Presti said Swift is recovering nicely from knee surgery, but he likely won't play in the summer league because of his contract status.
Beginning Monday, any NBA team can make Swift a contract offer, and the Sonics have the right of first refusal.
If the Sonics decide they don't want Swift back next season, they can renounce his rights, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The drafting of 6-foot-11 DeVon Hardin from California -- he is a mere six months younger than Swift -- could make the former Bakersfield High standout expendable.
Seattle also drafted 6-9 D.J. White from Indiana to add depth to the frontcourt.
Swift has played in just 71 out of a possible 328 games in his NBA career, averaging 1.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game.
***** Hope Danny Ainge can get over his Man Crush of Robert Swift