Flip Murray signs new deal with Sonics

SEATTLE, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Guard Ronald "Flip" Murray of Seattle has signed a one-year qualifying offer to remain with the Super Sonics.

He averaged seven points in 49 games last season, his third in the NBA.

"We're excited to have Flip back next season," said General Manager Rick Sund. "He adds explosiveness to our backcourt and is versatile enough to play both guard positions. In his two-plus years with the Sonics, Flip has been a prolific scorer and possesses one of the league's best crossover dribbles."

The 6-foot-4 inch Murray was a second round draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2002 out of tiny Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. In 145 games, he has career averages of 9.6 points, just over two rebounds and nearly two assists per contest.

In two years with the Sonics, Murray has averaged 12.4 points per game and 71.8 percent from the free throw line.