The Seattle SuperSonics stayed very busy in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft by trading All-Star Ray Allen and the 35th pick in this year’s draft to the Boston Celtics for forward Wally Szczerbiak, guard Delonte West and the No. 5 pick in the draft. With the fifth pick, the Celtics selected forward Jeff Green who was sent to Seattle. The Sonics picked forward Glen Davis out of LSU at the No. 35 pick, who was sent to Boston. The Sonics will also receive either Boston’s 2nd round pick, or Portland’s 2nd round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, whichever is better. Boston acquired the Portland pick through a previous trade.

"We are ecstatic to have acquired a perennial All-Star in Ray Allen," said Celtics Executive Director of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. "In addition to being one of the best offensive talents in the NBA, he is a true professional with a great work ethic."

Allen, a 6'5" 205lb guard, from the University of Connecticut has made seven of the last eight All-Star games, including the last four. Allen has averaged 21.5 points per game for his career and averaged a career-high 26.4 points per game this past season. The former Husky was the 2001 Three Point Shootout winner at All-Star weekend and has appeared in the contest four times. Allen also was a member of the 2000 United States Olympic Team that won the Gold Medal. Allen scored a career-high 54 points last season against the Utah Jazz on January 12, 2007. The 12th year pro was a member of the All-NBA teams in 2004-05 (Second Team) and in 2000-1 (Third Team).

"I could not be more excited about coming to Boston to play for the Celtics." said Allen. "I am glad to be back in the New England area and cannot wait to get onto the floor with players the caliber of Paul Pierce and Al Jefferson."

“Jeff Green is a player that doesn't need the ball to be effective,” Sonics General Manager Sam Presti said. “He's a tremendous facilitator and passer. Those that have seen him play in venues other than the Georgetown system have a better understanding of what it is this guy brings to the table.”

In three years at Georgetown University, Green averaged 13.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He was named to the Associated Press All-American Third Team in 2006-07 and as a junior, he helped lead the Hoyas to its first Final Four appearances since 1985. He ranks 17th in scoring, 16th in rebounding and 12th in assists on Georgetown’s all-time lists.

Szczerbiak was originally drafted as the No. 6 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1999 NBA Draft. In his seven years in the NBA, the 6-7 forward from Miami (Ohio) University is averaging 15.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He is also shooting .493 (2,996-6,073) from the field. He was traded to the Celtics by Minnesota in January 2006.

West was drafted by Boston in 2004 with the 24th pick in the NBA Draft. In his three years with the Celtics, the 6-4 guard from St. Joseph’s is averaging 10.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Davis, a 6'9" 289lbs forward from Louisiana State University averaged 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 29 games this past season for the Tigers. Davis led the SEC in rebounding this past season and ranked third in scoring. The former Tiger recorded 15 double-doubles, including 10 games in which he scored 20 or more points. Davis finished as the 10th all-time leading scorer in LSU history with 1,587 points. "Big Baby" earned Second Team All-America honors from The Sporting News and Third Team honors from the Associated Press as a sophomore.

Szczerbiak, a 6'7" 235lb forward, from Miami (Ohio) University averaged 15.5 points and 3.2 boards in 32 games last season. The former All-Star in the 2001-02 season had season-ending ankle surgery on March 8, 2007. Szczerbiak scored a season high 35 points against the Charlotte Bobcats on November 8, 2006. Szczerbiak missed a total of 50 games this past season due to various ankle injuries.

West, a 6'3" 195lb guard, from St. Joseph's University averaged 12.2 points and led the Celtics with 4.4 assists per game this past season. West scored a career-high 31 points and had 10 assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 3, 2007 in a double-overtime win. West also hit the game winning shot against the Charlotte Bobcats on November 8, 2006. West led the Celtics in assists 20 times this past season and had four games in which he had 10 or more assists.

The Sonics’ 31st pick (Carl Landry of Purdue) was traded to Houston for a future second round pick and cash considerations.

“What an exciting night for this organization,” Presti said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring in two caliber players to Seattle like Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Obviously, making a deal that involves a player like Ray Allen is a really, really difficult decision for any organization. However, where we want to go, we felt that this was the best decision for the organization at this time.”

“I want to personally compliment Ray Allen; Ray Allen the person and Ray Allen the outstanding, professional player,” said Sonics Chairman Clay Bennett. “We appreciate the career of Ray Allen in this market. And we wish him the very best.”