NBA commissioner David Stern knows a court order can only keep the SuperSonics in Seattle for the short term.

The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City -- next season or in 2010 -- and not even the desperate pleas of the dejected Seattle fans can save their favorite team from leaving this summer or in three years.

"Subject to all lawful orders of the court, the Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City, whether it's the end of this season, next season or the season after that," Stern said yesterday.

Last week, NBA owners overwhelmingly approved the SuperSonics' move to Oklahoma City for the 2008-09 season -- provided the team can settle the lawsuit with its hometown for the past 41 years. The move could be delayed when the U.S. District Court begins hearing a trial June 16 in Seattle over the team's lease dispute. The court could rule for the city and say the Sonics must play in KeyArena for the final two years of the lease.

Coach Maurice Cheeks was fined $25,000 by the NBA for his actions after Game 2 of the 76ers' playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. Cheeks was cited for verbal abuse of the officials and for not leaving the court and going directly to the locker room at the end of Philadelphia's 105-88 loss.

Guard Gilbert Arenas is optimistic he will play tomorrow in Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, although the latest setback with his knee means his role could be more limited. Arenas started and played only 10 minutes in Washington's Game 3 victory Thursday night. He limped off the court in the second quarter and did not return

Forward Paul Pierce had no problems during practice and was expected to play without restrictions tonight in Game 3 of Boston's first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks. Pierce, who was body-slammed to the floor in Game 2 Wednesday, said his back was stiff the next day but fine yesterday.

Grant Hill won the Joe Dumars trophy for outstanding sportsmanship in the NBA, becoming the first player to earn the award twice. Hill, a 12-year NBA veteran, also won the award in 2005 with the Orlando Magic. The award is determined by a vote of NBA players.