The NBA is on the cusp of expansion, with the Board of Governors approving exploration into adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. While the Las Vegas franchise will be built from scratch, the potential return of the Seattle Sonics carries a unique weight. It’s a revival long awaited – since the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. The city of Seattle has passionately preserved the Sonics’ name, colors, and history, and fans are eager to welcome basketball back to the “Rainy City.”
The anticipation is palpable. Beyond the excitement surrounding new jerseys, logos, and designs, fans are already dreaming about the players who could lead this new era of Sonics basketball. Here are five players we’d love to see donning the Seattle green and blue.
Gary Payton II
The connection is undeniable. Shortly after news of the expansion exploration surfaced, Gary Payton II jokingly stated he’d “inquire for a trade to Seattle” immediately upon the Sonics’ return. The family legacy is simply too strong to ignore. Payton II is the son of Gary Payton, a franchise legend and the star point guard of the 1996 Sonics team that reached the NBA Finals against the Chicago Bulls. Payton II cherishes memories of that era, and following in his father’s footsteps by playing in Seattle – especially after growing up in his father’s hometown of Golden State – would be a fitting tribute. The reception from the Seattle crowd would be electric.
Kevin Durant
Speaking of ovations, Kevin Durant is arguably the most beloved player in Seattle basketball history. He spent his rookie season with the city and openly expressed his affection for the city and its fans. Durant consistently pays homage to his time in Seattle, demonstrating a lasting connection to the region. With Durant set to become a free agent in 2028, the timing is intriguing. At 40 years old, he might seek to complete a full circle, returning to where his NBA journey began. Playing both his first and last seasons in Seattle, coinciding with the Sonics’ rebirth, would be a poetic ending to a remarkable career.
Paolo Banchero
Seattle boasts a rich history of producing talented basketball players, and Paolo Banchero is a prime example. A “homecoming” story always resonates with fans, and the Sonics could benefit from adding a star player like Banchero. While he has areas for improvement, Banchero is already one of the league’s premier players. If he finds himself in a challenging situation in Orlando, requesting a trade to his hometown could be a mutually beneficial move.
Anthony Edwards
In the pursuit of a superstar for the Sonics, few players embody the spirit of Seattle quite like Anthony Edwards. Edwards’ dynamic play and infectious energy would be a perfect fit for the city’s passionate fanbase. Imagine Edwards in his prime, electrifying the Seattle crowd – the potential for a special connection, and perhaps even a championship run, is immense.
Nathan Soliman
Building a new franchise requires a foundation of promising prospects. Nathan Soliman, a rising French talent, could be an excellent addition to the Sonics’ roster. Seattle would offer Soliman a unique opportunity to develop his game in a vibrant city and region. While expansion teams won’t have high draft picks initially, Soliman’s continued development could make him a valuable first-round selection, potentially even exceeding expectations.
The NBA’s exploration of expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas marks a significant moment for the league and its fans. The return of the Sonics is particularly special, offering a chance to rekindle a beloved franchise and create new memories for a dedicated fanbase. The league formally approved the exploration of expansion on March 25, 2026, with investment bank PJT Partners advising on the process, evaluating markets, ownership groups, and arena infrastructure. The target for potential expansion teams to start play is the 2028-29 season.
As the process unfolds, the focus will shift to securing ownership groups and building a competitive roster. The possibilities are exciting, and the dream of seeing the Sonics back on the court is closer than ever. The next step involves fielding bids for ownership, with expectations that each team will be valued between $7-10 billion, reflecting the potential revenue generation of both Seattle and Las Vegas.
The coming months will be crucial as the NBA evaluates bids and prepares for a potential expansion draft. Seattle fans, and basketball enthusiasts worldwide, will be watching closely, eager to see the next chapter of NBA history unfold.
