If the NBA grants an expansion team to Seattle, one of the most exciting developments would be the restoration of the Seattle SuperSonics' history from the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to reports . For over a decade, basketball fans in Seattle have been longing for their team’s return, and with the NBA actively pursuing expansion, the possibility of reviving the SuperSonics is closer than ever.
The Seattle SuperSonics were an integral part of the NBA from 1967 to 2008, winning an NBA championship in 1979 and boasting a passionate fan base. However, in 2008, the franchise was relocated to Oklahoma City due to issues with funding and disputes over an arena lease, leading to the creation of the Oklahoma City Thunder . This relocation left a deep scar in the hearts of Seattle fans, who lost not only their team but also the identity and history associated with it.
One of the most contentious aspects of this move was that the Thunder inherited the SuperSonics’ history. Officially, the NBA recognizes the combined history of the two franchises, meaning that the records set by legendary players like Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp are considered part of the Thunder’s history.
However, the Thunder, as an organization, have not embraced this legacy, choosing not to display Seattle’s achievements, such as their 1979 championship banner, in Oklahoma City. This disconnect has left Seattle’s basketball history in limbo.
According to reports, if Seattle were to be granted an expansion team, the Thunder would cede the SuperSonics' history back to the new Seattle franchise. This would be a monumental moment for basketball fans in Seattle, as it would allow the city to reclaim its rich NBA legacy. Much like when the Charlotte Hornets were able to reclaim their historical records from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2014, this move would restore the SuperSonics' rightful place in NBA history.
The return of the SuperSonics' history would also include the restoration of iconic memorabilia such as the 1979 championship trophy and retired jerseys, allowing the new Seattle franchise to immediately connect with its storied past. Fans would be able to celebrate the achievements of players like Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, and Jack Sikma as part of the city's own basketball lineage once again.
The anticipated home for the revived SuperSonics would be the Climate Pledge Arena, which is already home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. The Kraken’s ownership group is reportedly preparing a bid to bring the NBA back to Seattle, further adding to the likelihood of the team’s return.
A new team in Seattle, complete with the restoration of the SuperSonics' history, would be a triumphant return for a city that has long been a basketball hotbed. For many, the return of the SuperSonics would signify not just a return to the NBA, but a reclaiming of the legacy that has been missing for over a decade.
Related: Adam Silver Gets Real On NBA Expansion: "We're Not Quite Ready"
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