[1] The SuperSonics had the thirteenth overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft, and selected Corey Maggette out of Duke University,[2][3][4][5][6] but soon traded him to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Horace Grant.
[7][8][9][10] The team also acquired Brent Barry from the Chicago Bulls,[11][12][13][14] and signed free agents Vernon Maxwell, second-year forward Ruben Patterson and three-point specialist Chuck Person.
"[44] On draft night, the Sonics traded Maggette to the Orlando Magic, along with veteran players Billy Owens, Don MacLean, and Dale Ellis.
In return, the Sonics received veteran forward Horace Grant, a three-time NBA champion with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls (1991–1993).
Though the Sonics only managed to win 18 of their final 42 games, their early-season success offset their late-season losses, keeping them safely within the playoff picture.