Brian Hendrickson of The Columbian writes about the possibility of the Portland Trail Blazers becoming the Northwest’s basketball team, similar to the Seahawks and Mariners, if the Sonics move to Oklahoma City with next week’s upcoming trial.

Here’s an excerpt.

While Portland officials say they do not have a plan in place — and insist they would prefer the Sonics remain in Seattle and preserve the rivalry — serious discussions have been taking place to explore the Blazers’ options if the Seattle market is vacated.

“Our hope is that, over time, we can be to people outside of Portland and people in Seattle what the Mariners and Seahawks are to Portlanders,” said Blazers Chief Operating Officer Mike Golub. “If for some reason the Sonics are able to salvage a deal, get a new arena and stay, we would be absolutely happy that the region remains intact and the rivalry remains intact and the history that they’ve had there continues. At the same time, we’d be silly not to think what the consequences would be should they move.”

The opportunity to make inroads into a bigger market rarely comes along in sports. Imagine if the Golden State Warriors left Oakland, Calif., allowing Sacramento to pursue the Bay Area market. Or if San Antonio could expand its footprint into a vacated Houston region.

That is the rare opportunity that could be presented to the Blazers.

Read the entire story here.

Some former Sonics coaches and players are in the news today.

Affectionately called “Big Smooth”, former Sonic Sam Perkins was named vice president of player relations for the Indiana Pacers.

The Chicago Bulls pick Vinny Del Negro over former Sonics assistant Dwayne Casey for the team’s vacant coaching job. Early speculation has Del Negro looking at former Sonics head coach Bob Hill as his lead assistant.