SuperSonics president Wally Walker said Tuesday the team has guaranteed the final year of George Karl’s contract as coach, ending speculation that Karl would be fired if the Sonics don’t reach the NBA Finals.

“I’m happy to be staying in Seattle and happy that the ownership and Wally made this decision at this time,” Karl said. “It allows me, our staff and our team to really focus on the present and the task at hand, which is bringing an NBA championship to Seattle.”

The Sonics shook off the memory of crushing first-round playoff defeats to the Los Angeles Lakers last season and Denver two years ago, getting past Sacramento in the first round and sweeping Houston in the semifinals.