The Sonics can't begin negotiating Rashard Lewis' two-year, $25 million extension until Sept. 19, which is the anniversary of when he signed his seven-year, $60 million contract in 2002.

Still, the most important dates are in late October and Nov. 1. The NBA Board of Governors is scheduled to meet in late October and is expected to approve the sale of the Sonics to a group fronted by Oklahoma businessman Clay Bennett. It's highly unlikely that Sund would complete Lewis' deal before the new ownership group officially takes over.

Nov. 1 is the start of the regular season. Lewis said he'd like to resolve contract matters before then so he could concentrate solely on basketball.

If he doesn't sign an extension, Lewis can void the final two years of his contract that's worth about $20 million after the season and become an unrestricted free agent. If he signs the extension, he'll be under contract until 2011.