Gary Payton, the Hall of Fame guard most famously associated with the Seattle SuperSonics, has long been a symbol of the city’s basketball legacy. From 1991 to 2003, Payton’s dominance on the court helped make the SuperSonics one of the NBA’s most competitive teams. However, Payton’s time with Seattle ended just before the franchise’s controversial relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008, a move that has left many fans hoping for a return to the basketball-loving market of Seattle.
Now, Payton—who is currently coaching junior college basketball in Alameda, California—is speaking out about the possibility of the SuperSonics’ return.
In a recent interview on ESPN’s Courtside Tales with Jay Harris and Marc Spears, Payton shared his optimism about the future of the NBA and its potential for expansion.
“I know they might bring in two expansion teams, and it could look like Vegas and Seattle,” Payton said. “We’re very excited. I think we’re gonna get it back in the next two, three years—maybe by 2026 or 2027. It might be that soon.”
The Legacy of the SuperSonics
Payton’s passion for seeing a team return to Seattle is palpable, and it’s rooted in the deep bond he shares with the city and its fans. As one of the greatest players in SuperSonics history, Payton’s legacy is forever tied to the franchise, and his hopes of being involved in the potential new team only further emphasize his commitment to the city’s basketball future.
The SuperSonics’ relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008 remains a sore spot for many Seattle fans, and the NBA’s decision to allow the move was met with intense backlash. However, the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, both on and off the court, has somewhat overshadowed the controversy of the franchise’s relocation.
A Return to a Basketball-Crazy City
Despite the Thunder’s accomplishments, Seattle has remained a city deeply passionate about basketball. Fans have long called for the NBA to right its wrong and bring a team back to the city. Payton’s comments suggest that the NBA is not only acknowledging this demand but also taking concrete steps toward fulfilling it. The possibility of a Seattle team alongside a potential Las Vegas franchise would create a seismic shift in the NBA’s landscape.
Seattle’s enthusiastic sports market, coupled with the city’s storied basketball history, makes it a prime candidate for an expansion team. Payton, who has always represented the city with pride, sees this as an opportunity for Seattle to reclaim its rightful place in the NBA.
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The Road Ahead
While official plans for expansion have not yet been confirmed, Payton’s confidence in the timeline for a new Seattle team is promising. If the NBA does move forward with expansion, it could take place as early as 2026 or 2027, potentially ushering in a new era of basketball in the Pacific Northwest.
For Payton, the return of the SuperSonics is not just a personal dream; it’s a movement to restore one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises to its home city.
With a passionate fanbase ready to welcome the team back and a Hall of Famer like Payton pushing for its return, Seattle’s basketball future looks brighter than ever.
