Following a tumult of activity that started in April, some of which inspired enthusiasm (Kevin Durant) while other parts spawned indignation (see ya Ray and Rashard), the reassembled Sonics are ... what?

"We've got a roster, right now, that probably doesn't fit together real well," new coach P.J. Carlesimo said.

Ouch.

So, after 2 1/2 months of total franchise re-creation, Sonics brass rested. And many folks thought it wasn't good at all. Even the new coach.

OK, fine. What's next? How are Carlesimo and general manager Sam Presti going to make the roster fit together better?

"Trades are really hard to do," Presti said after emphasizing he wouldn't talk specifically about possible maneuverings for a sign-and- trade deal that would allow the Sonics to get something in return for Rashard Lewis bolting to Orlando.

It would be great if Presti could conjure up a trade for a wily, productive 30-year-old point guard whose contract would come off the books in 2009, but that's not probable.

More than likely, this is it. This is the 2007-08 Sonics. There won't be any other roster additions that wow you.

They are young. They are a curiosity. But they're not going to be very good.

Any dwindling hope that the Sonics would retain a modicum of a win-now mentality because of the precarious arena situation is now gone.

Said Presti: "Everybody wants to stay in Seattle. But, ultimately, it's about making good basketball decisions."

That leaves Sonics fans with few alternatives: Throw up your hands and abandon the team like many already have. Or throw on your vintage Jack Sikma jersey, cross your fingers and decide against your best judgment that you are with the Seattle SuperSonics until the very end, no matter what (even if, say, Sikma is now a Houston assistant coach).

For that latter group, here's something to cling to: This team is moving in the right direction.

They have a legitimate franchise player in Kevin Durant, who could replace Lewis' points and rebounds as a rookie. They have a savvy, do-everything sidekick in fellow rookie Jeff Green. They acquired a scrappy comboguard who's not afraid of floor burns in Delonte West. There are rumors of a talented, 7-foot, 21-year-old center, but we've got to see Robert Swift actually play to buy the buzz.

Best of all: They could have $20 to $30 million in cap space when the 2008-09 season ends, which means they will be able to add one or two pricy, productive pieces to a blossoming core.

They also hired the right coach.

While many fans supported Dwane Casey's candidacy, it makes sense for a 30-year-old GM to stick with his comfort zone and to hire Carlesimo, someone with a shared experience of franchise success (if you haven't heard, there's this whole San Antonio Spurs connection).

Certainly, Carlesimo struggled in the past to get along with players. But his most infamous conflicts were with Rod Strickland and Latrell Sprewell, who have never been known for their coachability.

Carlesimo said he has "evolved" since failed tenures in Portland and Golden State, but he also expects his demanding ways to be more effective with the Sonics' youthful roster.

The Sonics have been loosey-goosey for two years since the departure of Nate McMillan, a grade-A hardass. It hasn't worked. So if P.J. has refined his barking while working under Spurs coach Gregg (the extra 'g' stands for 'grouchy') Popovich, then it's worth a try.

Moreover, Carlesimo did something Sonics brass hasn't in recent weeks: He talked about the "Seattle Sonics" not just the Sonics.

He spoke glowingly of the city and how excited he was to be here. When asked his favorite local restaurants, he came up with quite a list: Canlis, Oceanaire, Il Terrazzo Carmine and Café Juanita.

P.J. is no rube. Hopefully, he's picking up the check.

The problem, of course, is this right direction might include a detour out of town toward another city that will witness the fruition of Presti's long-term strategy.

Yet there's always hope that local politicians or business leaders or even NBA pooh-bas are going to step in, wave a wand over the mess and make everything right.

You know, like by making this a partnership with the city instead of simply demanding that taxpayers pay for darn near the whole arena shebang.

By the way, leaving after next season won't be easy or cheap for owner Clay Bennett. As Seattle P-I columnist Art Thiel pointed out a few weeks back, it's going to cost ownership approximately "$45 million for the privilege of moving a broken business model to the 47th largest market (Oklahoma City)."

Not to mention that a poor investment of $350 million further loses value when it goes small-town.

Speaking to those who care: This isn't over.

There will be more chapters to this story. This franchise hasn't packed its bags yet. And it will be worth watching this season, even if it struggles to eclipse the 30-win mark.